Tesla Model S Brakes problems
47 of the 708 complaints about the Tesla Model S (6.6%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 1.1× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Brakes complaints peak with the 2021 model (16, 9% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (3). 4 Brakes complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
Owners most often describe: “brakes”, “braking”, “phantom”, “cruise” and “behind”. 4 of these reports (8.5%) describe a crash or fire, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Brakes for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 4 · Previous 12 months: 3
Common terms in reports
- brakes26
- braking18
- phantom10
- cruise14
- behind13
- slammed7
What owners report
On[XXX], at approximately 6:30 PM while I was driving my 2019 Tesla Model S in Fort Lee, NJ. While navigating through congested traffic and executing a right turn from [XXX] on a green light, the auto-pilot system was not using, my vehicle unexpectedly…
In August 2022 I was driving my Tesla S. I was traveling 25 miles an hour or less. I unfortunately lost consciousness for a very short time. My tesla then crashed into a parked car. There was snow emergency braking nor any emergency alarms.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control feature engaged, the brakes independently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. No warning light was illuminated.
I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my EV just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone!
The center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL / third brake light) fails on 2021 and newer Tesla Model S vehicles (including Plaid). This is a common issue reported by many owners, particularly as vehicles exit the warranty period.
Incident Description: While driving through a parking lot at 20 mi/hr, my vehicle's AEB system activated in response to another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Brakes for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Tesla Model S
- Interior & equipment130
- Driver-assist systems118
- Electrical106
- Wheels, tires & suspension92
- Steering83
- Body & structure49
- Brakes47
Tesla Model S problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Frequently asked questions
How common are Brakes problems on the Tesla Model S?
47 of the 708 complaints about the Tesla Model S (6.6%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 1.1× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Tesla Model S model years have the most Brakes complaints?
By model year, Brakes complaints peak with the 2021 model (16, 9% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (3).
Is there a recall for Tesla Model S Brakes problems?
No recall campaign addresses Brakes for the tracked model years.