2021 Tesla Model 3 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 126about this part
- Share
- 19%of 674 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 126 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 19% of the 674 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I test drove the Tesla MODEL 3, there was an option to turn regenerative braking to low. This allowed the car to have more of a coasting effect when one lifts the foot off of the accelerator. When I received delivery of the car, the ability to reduce the regenerative braking effect was not available. The removal of this feature is being discussed at length in online forums. The latest version of the owners' manual states that regenerative braking in the standard setting could cause the care to lose traction in winter conditions and that drivers should select the low setting. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385293, filed 2020-12, 15 miles“vehicle constantly phantom brakes while driving. i have reported 100+ incidents thru my tesla report bug feature. It will read the speed limit sign on the off ramp and slow the vehicle down 20mps abruptly, it will see a car on an onramp and slam the brakes on thinking there is a collision coming. it is every single day using cruise control”
NHTSA complaint #11628144, filed 2024-12“I drove into my neighbor’s driveway to drop her off. As I slowed down and applied the brakes to stop, the car failed to respond. It continued forward, running over the flower and plant pots at the edge of the driveway, crossing the backyard, and finally colliding with the trees and bushes at the rear of the property. All airbags deployed, and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11695420, filed 2025-10“I was driving with the Autopilot on, traveling about 65 mph on the freeway when the automatic emergency braking system kicked in for no reason. There was absolutely nothing in front of the car when it aggressively braked, very suddenly. I was very lucky no one was behind me. I have not reported this directly to Tesla, no one has inspected or confirmed this event.”
NHTSA complaint #11509117, filed 2023-02“While driving in cruise control, my Tesla 3 braked for no reason. No accident occurred because no one was behind me. It has happened about 10 times. It has not been confirmed by a dealer because I do not live near a dealer. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. No warning lights or messages appeared to warn me.”
NHTSA complaint #11450227, filed 2022-02Related recalls
- 21V387000May 25, 2021Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2019–2021, Model Y 2020–2021
Related service bulletins
- 11033173May 8, 2026On certain Model 3 vehicles, brake lines may be corroded beyond acceptable limits, which may result in loss of brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid will result in a customer facing…
- 11029583Feb 11, 2026On certain Model 3 vehicles, brake lines may be corroded beyond acceptable limits, which may result in loss of brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid will result in a customer facing…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 13 | 11% |
| 2024 | 5 | 2% |
| 2023 | 56 | 13% |
| 2022 | 169 | 22% |
| 2021 | 126 | 19% |
| 2020 | 48 | 11% |
| 2019 | 63 | 10% |
| 2018 | 89 | 9% |
| 2017 | 3 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model 3
411 complaintsVehicle speed control
123 complaintsOther or unknown
96 complaintsElectrical system
80 complaintsLane departure
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsFuel system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology