2019 Tesla Model S VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2019 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 14 recalls and 120 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (26), Electrical System (18), Unknown Or Other (11).
Model S reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Tesla Model S before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2019 Tesla Model S issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Suspension26
- Electrical System18
- Unknown Or Other11
- Steering11
- Service Brakes10
- Vehicle Speed Control6
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Tesla Model S
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect suspension for rattles or vibrations during acceleration
- Test for phantom braking using adaptive cruise control
- Check for dashboard or display screen malfunctions
- Verify proper function of falcon wing doors
- Inspect tires for uneven wear, especially inner wall
- Test autopilot and forward collision avoidance for sudden braking
- Check for any abnormal sounds from the power train
2019 Model S recalls (8)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Model S. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
- STEERINGNHTSA 22V818000Nov 1, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V169000Mar 18, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V037000Jan 27, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 21V846000Oct 29, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V153000Feb 27, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNHTSA 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
2019 Tesla Model S on the road
14,425 2019 Tesla Model S units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2019 Tesla Model S stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2019 Tesla Model S
The 2019 Tesla Model-S presents an elevated reliability risk, scoring significantly below the segment average. With 14 recalls, the recall count is elevated, indicating persistent issues requiring manufacturer intervention. Complaints are broadly distributed across multiple systems, with suspension and electrical system concerns being the most reported. This diversity of issues suggests no single dominant defect, complicating predictability for potential buyers.
As the vehicle enters its seventh year of the first generation, these reliability challenges may reflect aging design elements not adequately addressed over time. The combination of a low reliability score and a wide array of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering maintenance issues compared to competitors. Overall, prospective buyers should approach the 2019 Tesla Model-S with an understanding of its elevated reliability risk.
What you get in a 2019 Tesla Model S report
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2019 Tesla Model S — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Tesla Model S reliable?
The 2019 Tesla Model-S presents an elevated reliability risk, scoring significantly below the segment average. With 14 recalls, the recall count is elevated, indicating persistent issues requiring manufacturer intervention. Complaints are broadly distributed across multiple systems, with suspension and electrical system concerns being the most reported. This diversity of issues suggests no single dominant defect, complicating predictability for potential buyers.
How many recalls does the 2019 Tesla Model S have?
8 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Tesla Model S. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2019 Tesla Model S problems?
The most-reported 2019 Tesla Model S problem areas are: Suspension (26), Electrical System (18), Unknown Or Other (11).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Tesla Model S?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Tesla Model S, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.