Cold Weather Brake Package
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Tesla Model S brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Tesla Model S we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 11.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Tesla Model S vehicles describe a range of brake system failures spanning from mechanical breakdown to performance issues in specific conditions.
Caliper and Friction Problems: Multiple owners report seized caliper pistons and brake pedal vibration. One CPO buyer discovered all four caliper pistons seized shortly after purchase—a defect Tesla's pre-sale inspection missed. Another owner experienced persistent brake pedal vibration over a year and four service visits at Tesla's Dublin facility; the dealer ultimately denied the problem and attributed it to car age.
Wet-Weather Brake Fade: Several owners report dangerous brake loss in rain and after car washes. One owner's brakes became unresponsive for up to 3 seconds in wet conditions, causing the car to slide through stop signs. Tesla diagnosed water constantly hitting brake components and fixed it with shield installation, new rotors, and new pads—but no recall was issued for this condition.
Brake Failure Events: Owners describe complete brake system failure, including one incident where brakes locked up at 70 mph on Interstate 10 and would not release. Tesla roadside assistance misdiagnosed a flat tire; service later found "nothing wrong." Another owner at 5 mph in a parking lot experienced complete brake failure requiring a Tesla software update to move the vehicle.
Unintended Acceleration: Multiple owners describe sudden full-throttle acceleration at low speeds while braking—impacts with other vehicles and property. Tesla blamed driver error, but owners contend the incidents are not driver-caused.
Failure modes owners describe
Seized/Stuck Brake Caliper Pistons
All four brake caliper pistons seized, preventing normal brake operation. Owners report this condition was not detected during pre-owned vehicle inspection before sale.
When: Detected at various mileages; one CPO unit found with issue shortly after purchase in early 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and shuddering at highway speeds; Uneven tire wear; Wheels out of balance
Repairs/costs cited: All 4 wheels replaced (were significantly bent); all 4 caliper pistons required service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned by owners; Tesla service detected issue upon inspection
Brake Pedal Vibration
Abnormal vibrations felt through brake pedal when braking. Owner reported the issue persisted despite four separate service visits at Tesla facility.
When: Ongoing issue lasting over a year; service visits occurred February 2019 through May 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal vibrations when using brake; Vibration felt in brake pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Four service attempts by Tesla Dublin; vibration remained unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla manager and mechanic claimed vibration was normal for car age; no fix provided
Unintended Full Acceleration in Parking Situations
Vehicle suddenly accelerated at full throttle while operator was pulling into parking spots at very low speeds (under 5 mph). Multiple owners report similar incidents.
When: At low speeds under 5 mph during parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden full-speed acceleration while brake pedal was engaged; Loss of vehicle control during low-speed parking; Immediate acceleration without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle totaled; owner reports Tesla blamed driver error; no repair available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla blamed driver for moving foot from brake to accelerator; no recall or acknowledged defect
Brake Ineffectiveness in Wet/Rainy Conditions
Friction brakes lose effectiveness after rain, snow, car washes, or in wet weather. Brakes take several seconds to become fully effective, causing extended stopping distances and loss of control.
When: Occurs consistently in wet weather conditions; problem worsens over months of exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not work for upwards of 3 seconds in wet conditions; Increased braking distance; Vehicle slides through stop signs in rain; Reduced friction brake effectiveness after car washes
Repairs/costs cited: Tesla replaced all brakes and rotors; installed shield to prevent water from hitting brake components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; fix described as water shield installation plus brake/rotor replacement; Tesla service identified water exposure as root cause
Unresponsive Brake Pedal / Complete Brake Failure
Brakes fail to respond or lock up unexpectedly, preventing vehicle operation. One incident occurred at 5 mph in parking lot; vehicle would not move without software update from Tesla.
When: Occurred at 42,000 miles; another incident at 70 mph on Interstate 10
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive; Brakes apply but will not release; Red dash warning lights; Error codes appearing daily; Complete loss of brake function
Repairs/costs cited: One incident required Tesla software update to allow vehicle to move; vehicle towed 300 miles; Tesla service found nothing wrong upon inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla roadside assistance initially misdiagnosed as flat tire; no acknowledged defect or fix provided
Parking Brake Fault / Caliper Jamming
Vehicle fails to move when engaged even without parking brake use; owner identified caliper issue. Owner found online recall notice referencing same caliper problem.
When: Occurs when vehicle parked over time
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake fault error; Vehicle completely jammed and unable to move; Issue occurs without operator using parking brake
Repairs/costs cited: Owner identified possible caliper fault and found existing recall notice for the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice exists for similar caliper-related parking brake fault
Floor Mat Interference with Brake Operation
Loose floor mat became stuck under brake pedal, preventing braking. Owner reports floor mats do not stay in place.
When: Unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Floor mat stuck under brake pedal; Loss of braking ability; Loose floor mats
Repairs/costs cited: Photos provided showing passenger-side floor mat issue
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Tesla Model S?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Tesla Model S?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 45,925 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Tesla/Model S.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.