2020 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Tesla Model S, 8% of the 80 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe phantom braking [hereinafter PB] while the cruise control was activated (not AutoPilot, nor FSD, just cruise control). …”
NHTSA complaint #11541451, filed 2023-08“Car repeatedly applied the brakes hard and suddenly while traveling at 75mph on the interstate. This occurred while in driver assist mode as well as in cruise control only. It did not happen when driving without any assisted driving modes activated. There were no other vehicles near us nor any objects in the road or on the side of the highway that could have been construed as a reason to emergency brake”
NHTSA complaint #11518270, filed 2023-04“While driving with Autopilot engaged the car applied the brakes suddenly and severely without warning. This has occurred on multiple occasions at freeway speeds and at surface street speeds. There was no apparant reason to apply the brakes and no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11453848, filed 2022-02“While driving with adaptive cruise control or auto pilot the car will apply the breaks for flashing yellow lights. Random times there is nothing around and it will just tap the breaks lunging you forward then contrinues as normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11474994, filed 2022-07“While driving at night if someone doesnt turn off there high beams the car will randomly slam on the breaks as if its going to hit something. Low beans dont effect it but high beams do while your driving past another car.”
NHTSA complaint #11475223, filed 2022-07Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 11 | 8% |
| 2021 | 16 | 9% |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% |
| 2019 | 7 | 16% |
| 2018 | 25 | 15% |
| 2017 | 25 | 6% |
| 2016 | 56 | 9% |
| 2015 | 21 | 3% |
| 2014 | 10 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model S
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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