2021 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,638miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 9% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,638 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on highway at 65-70 MPH with auto pilot and speed control engaged. Went to change lanes from left to right. Put on turn signal, cancelled auto pilot by turning steering wheel to right and moved to open right lane. There were no vehicles around us at all. The car suddenly, unexpectedly, and very shockingly slammed on the brakes causing items to be tossed around in the car, engaging all of our seat belts with some discomfort, and sending some loud alarm or warning sound to go off in the car. It scared me, my wife and daughter very much. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373709, filed 2020-11, 275 miles“The vehicle put the brakes on when on adaptive cruise, but with very few cars around. The last time, there was no car in front of me, but the vehicle braked so fast the the car behind me almost rear ended me. I’ve noticed that it happened twice on a South bound stretch of I-35 in Temple texas. This needs to be addressed or there is a strong potential for an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11467559, filed 2022-06“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. In theory describes shouldn’t of happened with an emergency braking system.”
NHTSA complaint #11492305, filed 2022-11“Our Tesla, in the Full Self Drive mode, has on more than one occasion applied the brakes suddenly without warning while traveling on the freeways. The date I indicate below was the last occurrence. I see that others have indicated this malady and I wanted to add our voice to this conversation. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11497620, filed 2022-12“On March 19, 2023, I put my Tesla in drive and it went into reverse . When I tried to brake the speed accelerated. We were unable to stop the vehicle, while driving in reverse the car hit two mailboxes and two ceramic flower pots. It has been over 6 weeks and Tesla will not return my calls or messages. My insurance company looked at the body of the vehicle for a repair estimate. Nothing indicated that there was a problem prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11519299, filed 2023-04Related service bulletins
- 10210729Mar 18, 2022On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the electrical wires for the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may be subject to abrasion caused by long term vibration cycling. Abrasion…
Brakes: 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 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model S
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