2019 Tesla Model 3 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 613 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tesla Model 3, filed between 2019-04-20 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (169, 28%), electrical system (91, 15%) and air bags (84, 14%). Owners reported 59 crashes, 5 fires, 29 injuries and 4 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 22 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2019 Tesla Model 3 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 169 | 28% | 11 | 0 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 91 | 15% | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 84 | 14% | 10 | 0 | 7 |
| Suspension | 82 | 13% | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 78 | 13% | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 71 | 12% | 19 | 0 | 6 |
| Lane departure | 70 | 11% | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 60 | 10% | 8 | 0 | 4 |
| Seat belts | 54 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 53 | 9% | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Seats | 47 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 24 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 22 | 4% | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| Back over prevention | 19 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 11 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 169 complaints
- 169 complaints of 613 (28%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 38 of them also name the lane departure; owners reported 11 crashes, 4 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2019 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 24V153000, says: “A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.”
Electrical system: 91 complaints
- 91 complaints of 613 (15%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 14 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 1 death in these complaints.
- 8 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2019 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Air bags: 84 complaints
- 84 complaints of 613 (14%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 37 of them also name the seats; owners reported 10 crashes and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Suspension: 82 complaints
- 82 complaints of 613 (13%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 16 of them also name the steering; owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2019 Tesla Model 3; the latest, campaign 23V235000, says: “The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.”
Vehicle speed control: 71 complaints
- 71 complaints of 613 (12%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 34 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 19 crashes, 6 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
Lane departure: 70 complaints
- 70 complaints of 613 (11%) name the lane departure — lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
- 38 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 4 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 166 |
| 2023 | 103 |
| 2024 | 108 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 49 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL 3, model year 2019. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2019 Tesla Model 3 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2019 Tesla Model 3's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (169 of 613 complaints), electrical system (91 of 613 complaints) and air bags (84 of 613 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA has 613 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tesla Model 3, including 59 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3's problems?
NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model 3; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.