VehicleVerdict

2019 Tesla Model Y problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Tesla Model Y carries two red flags at once: 0 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sudden Unintended Acceleration). It is one of the Model Y years to avoid.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Model Y years?

Model Y NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,937 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 483 complaints2021: 1,937 complaints2022: 1,532 complaints2023: 1,904 complaints2024: 541 complaints2025: 176 complaints2026: 462 complaints
Model Y NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Model Y years to avoid →

Does the 2019 Tesla Model Y have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V051000Electrical SystemJanuary 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

21V388000Seat BeltsMay 25, 2021 · 2,166 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.

Consequence

Improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and replace both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-002.

21V389000Seat BeltsMay 25, 2021 · 5,530 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.

Consequence

An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23002

Sudden Unintended Acceleration

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.

2019 Tesla Model Y — common questions

Is the 2019 Tesla Model Y reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 0 complaints put the 2019 model at #8 of 8 Model Y years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Model Y years to avoid.

Does the 2019 Tesla Model Y have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Tesla Model Y. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Tesla Model Y under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Sudden Unintended Acceleration). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Tesla Model Y years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Model Y years to avoid are 2021, 2023, 2022, 2024, 2020, 2026, 2025, 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.