Buying a used 2019 Tesla Model 3: what to check

Autopilot hardware and Full Self-Driving

A 2019 Model 3 was built with Autopilot hardware 2.5 or, on cars built from about April 2019, hardware 3.0 (HW3). The change came during this model year, so the year alone does not settle it: Tesla's record names it (APH3 or APH4), and the car shows it under Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Tesla's own recall filing (22V-169) lists Model 3 built with computer 2.5 as late as May 2020, so a car built after April can still have it.

Tesla updates the record when hardware is changed. It says a car on 2.5 with Full Self-Driving bought is eligible for a free upgrade to 3.0, and owners who subscribed have paid for one, so the record may list 3.0 on a car of this year.

In April 2026 Tesla said Hardware 3 cannot run unsupervised FSD, and that customers who bought FSD would be offered a discounted trade-in or a computer and camera upgrade. It has published no prices or dates, nor whether a later owner qualifies. Since July 2026 Tesla has been releasing a reduced version, FSD v14 Lite, to Hardware 3 cars.

Tesla's record shows whether Full Self-Driving was bought (APPF) and whether it is active (APF2); APPF next to APFB means it was bought and is no longer active. The car's own Software screen shows what it has now. Since February 2026 Tesla sells Full Self-Driving only as a subscription, which ends with the seller.

The media computer

It has an Intel Atom media computer. The car names its processor under Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information.

Parking sensors

It was built with ultrasonic parking sensors (US01 on the record).

Battery and range

Tesla added a battery health screen (Controls > Service > Battery Health) with software 2025.8. Ask the seller to open it: a green box means the pack holds what Tesla expects for its age and mileage, though it measures stored energy only, not damage. Software 2025.26 removed the test from many newer cars and left some older ones showing only their last result, so if it is missing, compare the range at a full charge with the EPA range when new, which fueleconomy.gov lists by version.

Battery warranty

It was sold with Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty: 8 years from first delivery (or first use, if earlier) or 100,000 or 120,000 miles depending on the version (Long Range, Premium and Performance versions usually get 120,000), whichever comes first, with at least 70% of the battery's capacity retained, as Tesla publishes the terms in September 2026. Whether any is left depends on the delivery date and the mileage.

Supercharging

Almost every Model 3 carries SC04, pay-per-use. Free Supercharging from a referral or a promotion has usually been for the first owner only (SC05): it ends when they sell and does not pass to the buyer, though Tesla's app shows it the same way as the kind that does.

Fast charging away from Tesla's network

Before you buy, check whether it can fast-charge away from Tesla's network: Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information > CCS and 3rd-party NACS DC Fast Charging Support. Enabled means it can (CCS stations need an adapter); Not enabled means it needs a hardware retrofit, and the Tesla app shows whether one can be booked; Not compatible means it cannot.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2019 Model 3. Each covers only the cars named in it, so some may not apply to a given car, and some may already be done on it: enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which are open. Recall work is free. The list below is NHTSA's, as read on 5 October 2026.

• 26V507000, 2026-08-05: Exterior Lighting, Headlights. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
• 24V935000, 2024-12-17: Tires, Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
• 24V376000, 2024-05-28: 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."
• 24V153000, 2024-02-27: 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."
• 24V051000, 2024-01-30: 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."
• 23V838000, 2023-12-12: 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.
• 23V235000, 2023-03-31: Suspension, Front. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
• 23V085000, 2023-02-15: 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.
• 22V798000, 2022-10-21: Seat Belts, Rear/Other, Anchorage. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
• 22V702000, 2022-09-19: Visibility, Power Window Devices And Controls. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
• 22V263000, 2022-04-18: Electrical System, Instrument Cluster/Panel. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
• 22V235000, 2022-04-12: Electrical System, Software. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure 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."
• 22V169000, 2022-03-18: 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."
• 22V063000, 2022-02-04: Electrical System, Software. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure 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."
• 22V045000, 2022-02-01: Electrical System, Software. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
• 22V037000, 2022-01-27: 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.
• 21V00D000, 2021-12-21: Electrical System, Wiring, Rear Compartment/Trunk. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
• 21V846000, 2021-10-29: 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.
• 21V835000, 2021-10-25: Suspension, Critical Fasteners. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
• 21V389000, 2021-05-25: Seat Belts. 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.
• 21V387000, 2021-05-25: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Foundation Components, Disc, Caliper. Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
• 19V719000, 2019-10-10: Equipment, Other, Labels. Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. The driver-side sun visor may not have the required air bag warning information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."