2019 Tesla MODEL 3
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2019 Tesla MODEL 3 has 1026 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 739. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2019 tesla model 3. the contact stated that he purchased the special feature adaptive auto pilot back in 06/2020. the contact stated that the automatic emergency braking activated independently while driving 65 mph, almost bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop three times on . There are 21 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.
1026
Total Complaints
21
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
212 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE SPECIAL FEATURE ADAPTIVE AUTO PILOT BACK IN 06/2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALMOST BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP THREE TIMES ON
- • MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WHEN THE AUTO PILOT APPLIED THE BRAKES. HE SAID A TRAFFIC CONE APPEARED ON THE SCREEN. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC CONE OR ANY OTHER OBJECT IN THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BEHIND HIM BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN BRAKE APPLICATION. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME W
- • B PILLAR CAMERAS TEND TO GET CONDENSATION IN THEM CAUSING THEM TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TESLA SERVICE IN ROCKVILLE, MD, TO NO EFFECT. ACCORDING TO TESLA, THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION FOR IT, YET THE CAMERAS CONTINUE TO INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO PROVIDE COVERAGE, ESPECIALLY IN WEA
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE SPECIAL FEATURE ADAPTIVE AUTO PILOT BACK IN 06/2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALMOST BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP THREE TIMES ON ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2019 Tesla MODEL 3
Based on 204 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 10K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
SPEED CONTROL
ELECTRICAL
SUSPENSION
OTHER
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
STEERING
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (21)
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.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2019 Tesla MODEL 3
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Tesla MODEL 3
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL 3 Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2019 MODEL 3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2019 Tesla MODEL 3
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 1026 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE SPECIAL FEATURE ADAPTIVE AUTO PILOT BACK IN 06/2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALMOST BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP THREE TIMES ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE AND A VEHICLE CROSSES MY TRAFFIC LANE FAR ENOUGH AWAY TO POSE NO HAZARD TO ME, MY CAR SLOWS VERY SUDDENLY. THIS SLOWING FOR NO APPARENT REASON PUTS ME IN DANGER OF BEING REAR-ENDED BY FOLLOWING TRAFFIC. A SIMILAR SLOW DOWN HAPPENS IF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MAKES A RIGHT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: MY WIFE HAS A TESLA MODEL 3 CAR, PURCHASED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND HAVING ABOUT 8000 MILES ON IT. THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN AND CANNOT INSERT THE SAFETY BELT TO THE BUCKLE. MY WIFE SCHEDULED A SERVICE FROM THE APP. THE COMPANY SENT AN INVOICE FOR OVER $100 FOR THE REPAIR. SHE DIDN'T HAVE AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I WAS MOVING FORWARD AT ~15 MPH OVER A SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS ON A CITY STREET WHEN BOTH ELECTRIC MOTORS STOPPED WORKING BRINGING US TO A HALT ON THE TRACKS. THE CAR WOULD NOT SWITCH INTO NEUTRAL TO ALLOW IT TO BE PUSHED OFF OF THE TRACKS NOR WOULD IT RELEASE THE BRAKES UNTIL PUT INTO TOW MODE WHICH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 21 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL 3 — Year Comparison
How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 1026
- Recalls
- 21
- Fire reports
- 6
- Crash reports
- 78
- Injury reports
- 24
- Segment avg
- 739
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2019 Tesla MODEL 3