2019 Tesla Model 3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has a complaint index of 38 and ranks 6th worst among 9 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Model 3 years. NHTSA lists 614 complaints, 22 recalls, and 5 fires for this year, with the top issue being Collision Avoidance & Cameras.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #6 of 9 Model 3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 614
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 22
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 59
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 29
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 126.5
- 132 city / 120 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 29 / 4
Top 2019 Tesla Model 3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras188 (31%)
- Electrical System97 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires89 (14%)
- Airbags84 (14%)
- Other82 (13%)
- Engine73 (12%)
- Lane Departure70 (11%)
- Structure & Body70 (11%)
- Brakes66 (11%)
- Seat Belts54 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while slowly parking or pulling into a spot, often at very low speeds.
- Several complaints describe the car lurching forward or striking a wall, curb, or another vehicle despite the driver's foot allegedly on the brake.
- Airbags reportedly deployed in low-speed parking-lot collisions, in some cases with only partial deployment.
- One report describes a crash abroad where the battery reportedly caught fire after an autopilot-related incident.
- A law enforcement report describes a multi-vehicle highway crash where the driver said the car did not slow despite braking attempts.
2019 Tesla Model 3 recalls
22 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V507000Aug 4, 2026Electrical System20,349 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
- NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
- NHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat Belts125,233 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices
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."
Risk: 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.
2019 Tesla Model 3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 132 MPG
- Highway
- 120 MPG
- Combined
- 126.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
- Compared to other Model 3 years, the 2019 model has a complaint index of 38 and ranks 6th worst out of 9 years tracked, giving it a "Good" verdict relative to its siblings.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras, accounting for 31% of complaints (188 complaints), followed by Electrical System at 16% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 14%.
- Does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 22 recalls affecting the 2019 Model 3, including issues with the suspension lateral link fasteners, Autosteer, FSD Beta steering behavior, and electrical system font display errors. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2019 Model 3 compare to the 2018 and 2022 model years?
- The 2018 Model 3 has a complaint index of 75 and an "Avoid" verdict, and the 2022 Model 3 has an index of 100 with an "Avoid" verdict, both notably worse than the 2019 model's index of 38.
- How many fires and crashes were reported for the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
- NHTSA lists 59 crashes, 5 fires, 29 injuries, and 4 deaths associated with 2019 Tesla Model 3 complaints.