How many engine-related complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA lists 73 engine-area complaints for the 2019 Model 3, which is 12% of the 614 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 engine/acceleration issue?

No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls filed for this problem area on the 2019 Model 3.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 5,450 miles, indicating the issue tends to appear early in ownership.

Have these complaints led to crashes or injuries?

Yes. NHTSA data tied to these 73 complaints includes 20 crashes and 6 injuries, with no fires reported.

Is the 2019 Model 3 worse than other years for this issue?

The 12% share for 2019 is close to the 2018 figure of 10% and below 2021's 19% and 2022's 23%, suggesting other model years report this issue at similar or higher rates.

2019 Tesla Model 3 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 73 engine-area complaints for the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 12% of all complaints filed for that model year. These complaints link to 20 crashes and 6 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 5,450 miles. No related recall is on file for this issue.

Engine complaints: 73; 12% of 614
Crashes reported: 20
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 5,450 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or maneuvering at low speed, with the car surging forward on its own.
Several reports say the vehicle failed to slow down despite the driver pressing the brake, including one case during a multi-vehicle highway crash.
Multiple owners say the car lurched or accelerated while pulling into or out of a parking spot, striking walls, fences, curbs, or parked vehicles.
In some incidents airbags did not deploy despite the vehicle hitting a fixed object or another car.
One report describes the car slowly creeping forward on its own while stopped at an intersection behind another vehicle.

When 2019 Tesla Model 3 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 30, 2019, latest Apr 23, 2026.

73 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2019 to Apr 2026; peak Jan 2020 (10).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model 3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20174 (15%)
2018100 (10%)
201973 (12%)
202070 (16%)
2021127 (19%)
2022178 (23%)
202375 (18%)
202424 (11%)
202517 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have?: NHTSA lists 73 engine-area complaints for the 2019 Model 3, which is 12% of the 614 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 engine/acceleration issue?: No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls filed for this problem area on the 2019 Model 3.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 5,450 miles, indicating the issue tends to appear early in ownership.
Have these complaints led to crashes or injuries?: Yes. NHTSA data tied to these 73 complaints includes 20 crashes and 6 injuries, with no fires reported.
Is the 2019 Model 3 worse than other years for this issue?: The 12% share for 2019 is close to the 2018 figure of 10% and below 2021's 19% and 2022's 23%, suggesting other model years report this issue at similar or higher rates.