The 2019 Tesla Model S is a Sedan that does shine bright in terms of reliability. With iSeeCars giving it 9.5 out of 10, the Model S takes the top spot in its segment. Tesla has managed to sell slightly more than 14,100 units in 2019, suggesting the vehicle has degraded in terms of quality compared to its previous year. However, with 5 recalls and 25 complaints, the reliability is questionable as its rivals like the Lexus LS 500h, the Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid, and BMW 7 Series plug-in hybrid Sedan have all maintained a much more controlled amount of complaints and recalls. We would pick the 2019 Tesla Model S over the previous model year as it carries lesser issues in comparison. The Tesla Model S from 2019 does not seem to be the best when it comes to retaining value as it currently sells for an average of $61,999, which is a large dip from the $75,000 that it was originally listed for.
2019 Tesla Model S problems, and user complaints
Engine and Mechanical Complaints
- SERVICE BRAKES: The contacts stated that the vehicle freely activated the brakes while driving at 70 MPH on autopilot. There were no alert lights turned on. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to deactivate the vehicle's brakes. The rejection reoccurred without autopilot on the vehicle, according to the contact.
Safety Complaints
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: The contact is having the same problems as many others when driving with AutoPilot enabled. While using cruise control, the car will indeed use its brakes for no apparent reason. The car sometimes will slam on the brakes without warning or reason, putting the occupants and the cars behind the owner in danger.
Exterior
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Tesla creates a one-piece headlight with no replaceable parts. This includes the headlights, high beams, and, most importantly, the daytime running lights. All of these components are mounted on an LED strip, which overheats and un-soldiers as a result of the high heat, resulting in premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as three months of life before the device fails.
Dashboard
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The contact stated that his vehicle's horn stopped functioning without warning after receiving an over-the-air (OTA) software fix. The contact had called the service center and was told that the parts needed to service the vehicle were on their way. In addition, while driving the vehicle, the digital display stopped functioning and would not work. The vehicle speed would not display during the failure, and the turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights were also unusable. According to the contact, the failure was intermittent.
2019 Tesla Model S recall
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
November 1, 2022, |
22V818000 |
Loss of Power Steering Assist |
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain Model S vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2021. When driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole, the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system may lose power steering assist. |
Tesla has provided a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system. Owner notification letters will be mailed on December 31, 2022. |
2 |
March 18, 2022, |
22V169000 |
Initial Delay In Rearview Image Display/FMVSS 111 |
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S vehicles that have Autopilot Computer 2.5 and are running specific firmware releases. When the vehicle begins to reverse, the rearview image may not appear immediately. |
Tesla will provide a free over-the-air (OTA) software update. Letters of notification to owners were mailed on May 17, 2022. |
3 |
January 27, 2022, |
22V037000 |
Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign |
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain Model S vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2022. The "rolling stop" functionality included in the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to pass through an all-way stop intersection without stopping. |
Tesla will provide a free over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the "rolling stop" functionality. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2022. |
4 |
December 21, 2021, |
21V00B000 |
Front Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113 |
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain Model S vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2021. If the front trunk latch assembly is misaligned, the secondary hood latch will not engage. |
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly for free if necessary. Letters of notification to owners were mailed on February 18, 2022. |
5 |
October 29, 2021, |
21V846000 |
Unexpected Activation of Automatic Emergency Brake |
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain Model S vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2021 that use software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may result in a false forward-collision warning (FCW) or the activation of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. |
Tesla Service has released a free over-the-air (OTA) software update. The recall started on October 25, 2021. |
Should you buy a used 2019 Tesla Model S?
When the Tesla Model S was released in 2012, it caused a stir with its roadster achievement and ground-breaking EV technology. It is still Tesla's flagship sedan and remains one of the most prestigious luxury EVs on the market. Customers looking for an electric vehicle frequently consider the 2019 Tesla Model S. After all, the manufacturer claims that this vehicle is intended to go anywhere. Nevertheless, numerous owners are experiencing trouble taking it anywhere other than for service. However, the common Tesla Model S problems are severe, relating to its service brakes, forward collision avoidance, exterior lighting, and electrical system. A few of those considerations include a sturdy expected reliability rating, which Tesla has continued to struggle with. When compared to competitors such as the Lexus LS 500h, the Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid, and the BMW 740e Xdrive iPerformance, the Tesla Model S offers a comfortable driving experience with dexterity, and finesse.