The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has 22 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 620 complaints with NHTSA, including 60 crashes, 5 fires, 30 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (231 reports).
2019 Tesla Model 3 recalls
Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers
Certain Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have low beam headlights that are brighter than federal limits allow.
Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not stay lit between drive cycles.
Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver
Some Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have a seat belt warning light and chime that do not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk
A factory reset can mute the Pedestrian Warning System sounds on certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles.
Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily
The instrument panel on these Tesla vehicles displays the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights in an incorrect font size.
Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature
This recall covers vehicles with Autosteer, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature.
Front Suspension Bolts May Loosen, Risking Crash
Certain front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen over time.
Software may let vehicle run intersections or exceed speed limits
Certain Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software, or with that software pending installation, may act unsafely around intersections.
Rear seat belt may not work properly in a crash
Some vehicles had their second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor incorrectly reassembled during service.
Power Windows May Pinch Occupants and Injure Them
Certain Tesla vehicles may have a power window automatic reversal system that does not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
Speed unit may not display in Track Mode, raising crash risk
Certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles may fail to show the speed unit (mph or km/h) on the speedometer while in Track Mode.
External speaker can drown out pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017 through 2022 have a Boombox feature that can play sounds through the external speaker while the vehicle is moving.
Rearview Camera May Lag When Reversing, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, and Model X vehicles from 2017 to 2020 may not show the rearview camera image right away when the car starts to reverse.
External speaker can drown out EV pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles have a Boombox feature that can play sound through an external speaker while the car is moving.
Seat Belt Chime May Not Sound, Raising Injury Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles may not sound the audible seat belt reminder chime when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
Vehicles May Roll Through All-Way Stops, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the "rolling stop" function to take the vehicle through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a complete stop.
Rear camera may fail, reducing rear view and crash risk
The rearview camera cable harness can be damaged by repeated opening and closing of the trunk lid.
False Braking Alerts Could Cause Sudden Stops
Some Tesla vehicles from 2017 to 2019 may have a communication error in their forward collision avoidance system.
Front suspension bolts may loosen, risking crash
Certain Tesla vehicles may have front suspension lateral link fasteners that loosen over time.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Damage Tires and Raise Crash Risk
Some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have loose brake caliper bolts.
Front seat belt fasteners may be loose, raising injury risk
Some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have one or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the B-pillar improperly attached.
Driver Sun Visor May Lack Required Airbag Warning
The driver-side sun visor on certain 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles may be missing the required air bag warning information.
Most common 2019 Tesla Model 3 problems
Problem areas named in the 620 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 231 |
| Electrical System | 92 |
| Lane Departure | 90 |
| Air Bags | 89 |
| Suspension | 83 |
| Unknown Or Other | 78 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 71 |
| Service Brakes | 60 |
| Seat Belts | 57 |
| Steering | 54 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the service controller warning light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer service center and was diagnosed with steering rack, wiring harness, and control module failure caused by corrosion from water. The steering rack, control module, and wiring harness were replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 13,721.
1. Component/System Failed: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) â Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) / Occupant Sensor. Component intact and available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: Failure disables or compromises front passenger airbag deployment and seat belt pretensioner logic. In a crash, the vehicle may fail to deploy the airbag/pretensioner for an adult passenger or deploy improperly, creating severe risk of serious injury or fatality. The passenger seat cannot be safely occupied. 3. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes. Tesla Service confirmed an active SRS/OCS fault (OCS1P_w127_seatbackSelfOpen). The technician acknowledged this failure is widesp
Iâve been seeing lots of similar front safety restraint issues from other Tesla owners on different sites. This safety restraint issue is regarding the wiring under the seat that get Pinched or Loose Wires: Movement of the front seat can pinch wires or dislodge connectors underneath, triggering errors like RCM_A028 or RCM_a033. If youâre out of warranty, Tesla charges a lot of money to have them fixed but I would say it is a safety issue that they should recall and fix without charge.
My 2019 Tesla Model 3 (approx. 95,000 miles) displays a persistent 'Front passenger safety restraint system' alert. The car drives normally and there has been no crash, fire, or injury. Tesla Service's estimate lists $631.60 for the alert diagnosis, $458.50 to replace the front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS), and $699.44 to update the front passenger airbag for compatibility, an update Tesla's own service bulletin SB-23-20-001 requires alongside the OCS repair. The total is about $1,790 before tax. Tesla declined goodwill coverage and said the supplemental restraint system warranty expired in 2023. The alert means the front passenger airbag and seat belt pretensioner may
There's a faulty connector for the drivers seatbelt pretensioner. The car is reporting RCM_a021_pretenLabFrontLeft and internet searches show this is a somewhat common error for a faulty connector that fails under normal usage.
2019 Tesla Model 3 questions
Does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model 3: Headlights Too Bright, Can Dazzle Oncoming Drivers; Tire Pressure Warning May Not Stay On, Hiding Low Tire Pressure; Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver; Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk; Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
Based on 620 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (231), Electrical System (92), Lane Departure (90).
How do I check if a recall on my 2019 Tesla Model 3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.