2019 Tesla Model S
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2019 Tesla Model S maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Tesla Model S.
When mounting wheels on the Tesla Model S, torque the lug nuts to 129 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2019 Tesla Model S have reported 5 common issues including "MCU Touchscreen Failure (eMMC Wear-Out)", "Retractable Door Handle Failure" and "Air Suspension Component Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 10 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2019 Tesla Model S. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2019 Tesla Model S requires lug nuts torqued to 129 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2019 Tesla Model S. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2019 Tesla Model S.
Common problems reported by 2019 Tesla Model S owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
MCU Touchscreen Failure (eMMC Wear-Out)
Model S vehicles equipped with the original MCU1 (pre-March 2018) use an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory chip that has a finite number of program/erase cycles. When the eMMC wears out, the 17-inch touchscreen goes black or enters an endless reboot loop, disabling the backup camera, turn signal indicators, climate controls, and windshield defogging. While the 2020 Raven models use MCU2, many pre-2018 vehicles are still on the road with this issue.
Tesla issued NHTSA recall 21V-035 to replace the 8GB eMMC with an upgraded 64GB eMMC chip on all affected MCU1 vehicles, free of charge. For MCU2 vehicles (including 2020 models), screen failures are less common but can occur due to other hardware faults. Tesla Service will replace the MCU or display unit. An MCU1-to-MCU2 upgrade is also available as a paid option.
Est. Cost: Covered under recall 21V-035 for MCU1; $1,500 - $2,500 for MCU2 replacement out of warranty; $2,000 - $2,500 for MCU1-to-MCU2 upgradeRetractable Door Handle Failure
The Model S uses flush-mounted retractable door handles that auto-present when the key fob is detected. The handle mechanism relies on a small gear assembly and microswitch that are prone to failure, causing handles to not present, retract while being pulled, or become stuck in the extended position. Cold weather, moisture intrusion, and normal wear accelerate failure. This issue affects all Model S production years through 2020.
Replace the failed door handle assembly, which includes the gear, motor, and microswitch. Each handle is an individual unit. Tesla Service or a qualified independent shop can perform the replacement. Some owners have had success replacing just the internal gear with aftermarket metal gears rather than the entire assembly. A class action lawsuit was filed over this recurring defect.
Est. Cost: $300 - $600 per handle at Tesla Service; $100 - $200 per handle for DIY with aftermarket partsAir Suspension Component Failure
The 2020 Raven Model S uses an adaptive air suspension system whose compressor, air springs, height sensors, and valve block can fail over time. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting unevenly or sagging on one corner, a suspension fault warning on the touchscreen, the compressor running continuously, or a harsh ride from a deflated air spring. Air spring leaks and compressor burnout are the most common failure modes.
Diagnose which component has failed: air spring leak, compressor failure, height sensor malfunction, or valve block issue. Air springs can be individually replaced. The compressor is located under the vehicle and is accessible for replacement. Tesla Service Center or a qualified independent shop can perform the repair. The air suspension is covered under the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.
Est. Cost: $200 - $600 per air spring; $1,000 - $2,000 for compressor replacement; $2,500 - $5,000 for full system overhaulRear Drive Unit Whine and Milling Noise
The rear drive unit can develop a progressively louder whining, humming, or milling noise, especially under acceleration or regenerative braking. The noise is caused by bearing wear that introduces fine metal particles into the drive unit fluid, which then accelerate wear on the gears. While the noise itself does not immediately affect performance, it indicates internal degradation that will worsen over time.
Tesla will replace the rear drive unit under the 8-year/unlimited-mile Battery and Drive Unit limited warranty if diagnosed with excessive noise or bearing failure. If out of warranty, independent Tesla specialists can source refurbished drive units at lower cost. Document the noise with video and schedule a Tesla Service appointment for diagnostic confirmation.
Est. Cost: Covered under 8-year drive unit warranty; $5,500 - $10,900 out of warranty at Tesla; $3,000 - $5,000 at independent shopsHigh-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak
Some 2020 Model S vehicles develop coolant leaks in the battery thermal management system, either from degraded coolant hoses, fittings, or the battery chiller unit itself. Symptoms include a low coolant warning on the touchscreen, reduced charging speed, thermal throttling during spirited driving, and in severe cases a visible puddle of orange-colored coolant under the vehicle.
Tesla Service will pressure-test the cooling system to identify the leak source. Common repairs include replacing coolant hoses, tightening or replacing fittings, or replacing the battery chiller assembly. Do not ignore low coolant warnings as overheating can permanently damage battery cells. The battery thermal management system is covered under the 8-year Battery and Drive Unit warranty.
Est. Cost: Covered under 8-year battery warranty; $500 - $1,500 for hose/fitting repair out of warranty; $2,000 - $4,000 for chiller replacement10 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model S. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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."
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
