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ProblemsByVin File / 2019-TESLA-MODEL-3 NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2019 · Tesla

Tesla Model 3 problems

589 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2019 Model 3?
Avoid — the cruise-control

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
73 reports · fails ~30,570 mi · avg $850
severe
cruise control
63 reports · fails ~12,272 mi · avg $600
critical
airbags
59 reports · fails ~18,767 mi · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
59 reports · fails ~19,385 mi · avg $900
critical
steering
51 reports · fails ~21,655 mi · avg $700
critical
brakes
31 reports · fails ~35,430 mi · avg $450
severe
visibility
20 reports · fails ~9,346 mi · avg $350
moderate
seatbelts
17 reports · fails ~8,500 mi · avg $500
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2019 Model 3's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2019 Model 3?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2019 Model 3 · visibility
Software Update Version 11 makes it dangerous to drive when the front and/or back windshield fogs up. Getting the defogger to turn on requires multiple attempts to find icons and then more icons and then more options while attempting to drive the car (or pull over out of traffic…
2019 Model 3 · visibility
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the manufacturer had provided a new software update for the vehicle. The contact stated that the update made it difficult to use some functions. The contact was concerned that he had to take his eyes off the road to…
12/30/2021 · at 18,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11445551.0 · see visibility pattern →
2019 Model 3 · cruise control Crash
I am very disappointed and shocked from what happened last december 10, 2019 (tuesday). At around 5:50 am, I am slowly driving at the parking lot of my office at stryker corporation in san jose, ca. I am slowly parking my car and then there's a sudden unintended acceleration…
12/30/2019 · at 3,056 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292014.0 · see cruise control pattern →
2019 Model 3 · suspension
I had to replace the Front Upper Control Arm Assemblies (Left and Right). As part of this (I believe) I also had to replace Lower Lateral Links (Left and Right) and the Front Lower Compliance Links (Left and Right). My car had 53,536 miles on it at the time (so just outside…
View all 589 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2019 Tesla Model 3? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 23V235000 March 31, 2023

Tesla, Inc

A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
severe NHTSA 19V719000 October 10, 2019

Tesla Motors, Inc

Failure to provide the air bag warning information increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the visor and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 6, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-15-003.

Under investigation 5 open at NHTSA

EA Electrical System › Adas · opened March 2026

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA26002 on NHTSA →

PE Electrical System › Adas · opened October 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25012 on NHTSA →

AQ Electrical System › Adas · opened August 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ25002 on NHTSA →

RQ Electrical System › Adas · opened April 2024

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24009 on NHTSA →

DP Vehicle Speed Control · opened June 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. DP23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2019 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 589 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2019 Tesla Model 3?

On the NHTSA data, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 2 fatality reports and 15 crash-related complaints on the cruise-control; Suspension: 59 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 5,000–20,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2019 Tesla Model 3?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 73 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 30,570 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 12,272 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Tesla Model 3 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Tesla Model 3?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 589 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Tesla/Model 3. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Tesla. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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