NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
This page covers 11 recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2019 Tesla Model S.
For the 2019 Tesla Model S, the bulk of owner complaints center on the forward collision avoidance and driver assistance systems, with suspension coming in second. On the driver assistance side, owners frequently describe the system behaving erratically, drifting toward or across lane markings, struggling to hold a steady speed, and responding unpredictably in ways that make drivers reluctant to use the features outside of very slow, stop-and-go conditions. Several owners tie the onset of these behaviors to over-the-air software updates. Suspension complaints are also recurring, with owners describing rattling and, in multiple cases, cracked wheels, typically on the inner rim edge. A smaller cluster of complaints involves the backup camera displaying a blank screen after software updates rather than a rearview image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
42
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Tesla Model S has 11 recalls, the most serious being a front trunk hood latch that may not fully engage its secondary catch, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and block the driver's view.
Two recalls involve the automated driving software. The Full Self-Driving Beta system has two separate issues: a "rolling stop" feature that may carry the vehicle through an all-way stop without fully stopping, and broader behavior that can allow the car to exceed speed limits or navigate intersections in unpredictable ways. There is also a recall covering Autosteer, where the system may not adequately prompt a distracted driver to take back control. On the active safety side, a software error can trigger false forward-collision warnings or cause the automatic emergency braking system to activate without warning, stopping the car abruptly. The electric power steering system can also lose its assist after hitting a pothole or rough road surface, requiring noticeably more effort to steer.
Several recalls address warnings and displays. The rearview camera on certain vehicles takes too long to appear when reversing, reducing rear visibility. A factory reset on some vehicles silences the pedestrian alert sound that warns people on foot of an approaching car. The seatbelt warning chime and light may fail to activate when the driver is unbelted, and instrument panel warning lights for braking and stability systems display in a font too small to read clearly. One recall covers a dashboard symbol for the passenger airbag off-indicator that does not meet current Canadian labeling requirements.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt warning light and chime may not activate when the driver is unbelted, failing to alert the driver to fasten their seat belt.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a software update over the air to fix the warning system so it activates properly for unbelted drivers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A factory reset can silence the Pedestrian Warning System sounds, which alert pedestrians to the vehicle's presence. The vehicle then fails to meet federal sound requirements for electric vehicles.
What the fix does
Tesla releases a free software update (2023.44.30.14) over-the-air to restore the Pedestrian Warning System sounds.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System warning lights on the instrument panel display in an incorrect font size, which does not meet federal brake system safety standards.
What the fix does
Tesla is releasing a free over-the-air software update to correct the warning light font size display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Autosteer controls may not be prominent or clear enough to prevent drivers from misusing this advanced driver-assistance feature when it's engaged.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over the air to improve how Autosteer controls are displayed and managed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The FSD Beta software may drive unsafely at intersections—going straight in turn-only lanes, not stopping at stop signs, or proceeding through yellow lights without caution. It may also not properly adjust for posted speed limits or account for driver speed changes above limits.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over the air to fix the FSD Beta system's intersection and speed-limit handling.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering assist system may stop working when driving on rough roads or hitting a pothole, leaving you with manual steering only.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over-the-air to recalibrate the power steering system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not display immediately when the vehicle shifts into reverse, leaving the driver without rear visibility.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over-the-air to restore proper rearview camera display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Full Self-Driving (Beta) software's rolling stop feature may allow the vehicle to pass through all-way stop intersections without fully stopping.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free over-the-air software update that disables the rolling stop functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, which can prevent the secondary hood latch from engaging properly.
What the fix does
Tesla Service will inspect the latch assembly and reposition it as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software communication error may cause the forward-collision warning to activate falsely or trigger the automatic emergency brake system unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Tesla released a free over-the-air software update to fix the communication error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag off indicator uses text instead of the required symbol under current Canadian regulations, which can cause confusion.
What the fix does
Firmware update 2020.36 changes the display to show the correct symbol when the passenger airbag is turned off.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
