2020 Tesla Model Y Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 13%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Tesla Model Y, 13% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We recently purchase Tesla Model Y on 29th september 2020. We notice more than twice while driving Model Y on freeway at 65mph and the car decided to randomly slam the braked (panthom braking) while in autopilot in middle of the freeway. We were on garden state parkway in nj. We did reported to Tesla via voice command but no we been scare driving the Tesla on cruise control or auto pilot and worried about rear end accident. Its very dangerous and safer issue. There has been no response from Tesla. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376740, filed 2020-11, 900 miles“October 8 2020, 5:00pm. Heavy traffic on I-5 north at anaheim, ca near harbor blvd/ball rd exit. I had just changed lanes to the right in preparation to take the exit. Due to heavy traffic, my speed was approximately 10 MPH. Immediately after settling to the new lane, toyota rav4 in front of me brakes aggressively. I was about 6 ft from this car, and immediately pressed my Tesla y brake pedal hard in an attempt to avoid collision. But, my Tesla y would not stop. The wheels did not lock into full braking. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363598, filed 2020-10, 1,500 miles“Automatic vehicle hold disabled. Regenerative braking disabled. Traction control disabled. Stability control disabled.steering assist reduced. I was turned 360 degrees when trying to turn left. Car was sliding during drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11396845, filed 2021-02, 4,932 miles“On the last road trip, my car emergently braked for no reason when using cruise control and autopilot causing safety issues for cars behind my vehicle. This happened at least 6 times on my 500-mile round trip. I reached out to Tesla service and was told there is no fix at this time. in my opinion this is a dangerous problem that needs addressing in an urgent manner.”
NHTSA complaint #11527150, filed 2023-06“On 5/24/21, I was driving in the rain on a busy 6 lane highway.I was driving under speed limit. The car hydroplaned across 3 lanes, past the divider and spun 180 degrees and I was able to bring it to a halt with fierce braking just before it crossed onto the other side. Some damage to car. I was unhurt. Sheriff came to assist me to safety.”
NHTSA complaint #11418414, filed 2021-05Related 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 Y 2020–2021, Model 3 2019–2021
- 20V609000Sep 30, 2020Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error prevents the…Covers: Tesla Model Y 2020
Related service bulletins
- 10214117Apr 29, 2022Some Model Y vehicles were built without a hydraulic control unit (HCU) wake-up wire, and in rare circumstances, braking and stability control related alerts may appear on the…
- 10174929Apr 24, 2020On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the brake caliper bolts may not have been torqued to internal specifications.
- 10174928Apr 21, 2020On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the brake caliper bolts may not have been torqued to internal specifications.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model Y
108 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsLane departure
32 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsWheels
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Tesla Model Y
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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