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
2021 Tesla Model S brakes problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ten owners report distinct brake system problems. One experienced complete brake failure in freezing and wet conditions, particularly after car washes or prolonged highway use with one-pedal driving; Tesla first blamed car wash detergent, then tire size mismatch (despite the tires being Tesla-recommended factory units), though the owner notes Tesla acknowledged the issue was occurring on other vehicles. Another owner lost all braking response during a left turn and hit a curb; the vehicle produced only a clicking noise and emergency braking did not engage, despite warning lights for "Hold" and "Regenerative Braking" failures.
Multiple owners report phantom braking during autopilot and adaptive cruise control—sudden, violent brake application with no vehicle or object nearby. One incident dropped speed from 83 mph to 49 mph, throwing passengers forward.
A separate complaint details brake caliper mount failure during hard emergency braking at 48,000 miles; Tesla blamed the owner's driving rather than acknowledging a potential structural defect. One owner states the brakes lack sufficient stopping power to lock tires or engage ABS, comparing unfavorably to a pickup truck. Several owners report being thrown forward into the steering wheel during unprompted braking events with nothing in proximity to justify it.
Failure modes owners describe
Complete brake loss in freezing/wet conditions
Total loss of braking force occurring around freezing temperatures, after car washes, on wet roads, or during prolonged highway use with one-pedal driving. One owner reports abnormal front rotor wear. Tesla has attributed the issue to tire size mismatch triggering ABS, though the owner disputes that diagnosis given they used Tesla-recommended winter tires. Another owner experienced brake failure with only a clicking noise, unable to stop the vehicle, resulting in collision with curb and sidewalk.
When: Occurs in freezing temperatures, after car washes, wet conditions, or after 20-30 minutes highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete braking loss despite pressing pedal to floor; Clicking noise when brakes fail; Abnormal front rotor wear; Warning lights for 'Hold' and 'Regenerative Braking' failures; Seatbelt did not lock on impact
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle at Tesla Service Center for inspection. Tesla blamed tire size mismatch and detergent from car washes in separate incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla attributed one case to car wash detergent; another to tire size mismatch (though tires were Tesla-recommended factory package). Tesla acknowledged issue was occurring on some other vehicles with engineering team investigating.
Unintended braking (phantom braking) during adaptive cruise/autopilot
Unexpected and sudden brake application while vehicle is in adaptive cruise control or autopilot mode, with no vehicle or object present to trigger the braking. Severity varies from moderate drops in speed to dramatic deceleration. Multiple owners report near-collision scenarios and passenger safety concerns.
When: Occurs intermittently during highway driving and freeway use; one instance noted near highway exits
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, unintended brake application while in autopilot/adaptive cruise; Vehicle speed drop from 83 mph to 49 mph in one instance; No vehicle or object in proximity to justify braking; Passengers thrown forward into seats; Occurs more frequently near highway exits and on specific roadways
Brake system structural failure (caliper mount)
Left rear brake caliper mount broke under emergency braking conditions (hard braking to avoid animal collision). Owner reports brake fluid pressure was maintained and catastrophic failure was avoided, but notes the failure as abnormal for a vehicle with performance capability and mileage of 48,000 miles.
When: At 48,000 miles during emergency braking event
Symptoms owners cite: Left rear brake caliper mount fractured during hard braking; Brake fluid pressure maintained despite structural failure
Repairs/costs cited: Caliper mount repair needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla blamed owner's driving and vehicle mileage; owner reports indifferent response from manufacturer.
Insufficient braking power
Owner reports brakes are not strong enough to lock tires or engage anti-lock braking system, resulting in inability to stop quickly enough when encountering unexpected obstacles. Owner compares stopping performance unfavorably to a Chevrolet Colorado truck.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to lock tires with brake application; Anti-lock braking does not engage; Longer stopping distance than comparable vehicles; Hit animal that owner feels truck would have avoided
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Tesla Model S?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2021/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.