At the shop, Tesla brake issues have a recognizable signature. 346 documented complaints across 12 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2022 Tesla Model 3 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 38 crash reports and 17 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / BRAKES
12 model-year entries · 2013–2025
Tesla brakes problems
346 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for brakes issues. 1 active recall campaign. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
346
Recalls
1
Year-models
12
Avg fix
$450
38crashes
1fire
17injuries
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for brakes Top 12 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2022 Tesla Model 3
91 complaints · ~$450 severe
2021 Tesla Model 3
70 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2018 Tesla Model 3
52 complaints · ~$450 severe
2019 Tesla Model 3
31 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 Tesla Model 3
23 complaints · ~$450 severe
2023 Tesla Model 3
22 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 Tesla Model Y
18 complaints · ~$450 severe
2013 Tesla Model S
11 complaints · ~$450 severe
2021 Tesla Model S
10 complaints · ~$450 severe
2025 Tesla Model Y
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2022 Tesla Model S
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 Tesla Model S
4 complaints · ~$450 severe
Active recalls — Tesla brakes 1 on file
Tesla, Inc
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.
Common questions
How many Tesla brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
346 complaints across 12 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 1 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Tesla lineup.
Which Tesla model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 leads with 91 complaints in this category. Next: 2021 Model 3 (70) and 2018 Model 3 (52).
What does it cost to fix Tesla brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla brakes recalls?
Yes — 1 active recall campaign covers brakes on Tesla vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.