2019 Tesla Model 3 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 66 brake complaints for the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 11% of the year's 614 total complaints, with 10 crashes and 4 injuries reported. A related recall (21V387000) covers loose brake caliper bolts on 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles.
- Brakes complaints
- 66
- 11% of 614
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 6,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while slowly parking or maneuvering at low speed, with the brake pedal reportedly applied but the car surging forward anyway.
- Some describe the car failing to stop when the brake pedal was pressed, leading to low-speed collisions with other vehicles, curbs, or fences.
- One owner reported the car taking off on its own after being placed in drive, without driver input on the accelerator.
- Another described brakes not responding after being rear-ended or spun by another vehicle, with the car continuing to coast rather than stopping.
- A separate report described the vehicle sitting at a service center for a month after a brake failure with no repair action taken before a crash occurred.
When 2019 Tesla Model 3 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 15, 2019, latest Jul 30, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model 3
- NHTSA 21V387000May 25, 2021Brakes5,974 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:critical fasteners
Tesla, 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 separate and contact the wheel rim.
Risk: Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Brakes complaints by Model 3 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have?
- NHTSA lists 66 brake-related complaints for the 2019 Model 3, which is 11% of the 614 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
- Yes. Recall 21V387000, reported May 25, 2021, covers 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles for brake caliper bolts that may loosen and let the caliper separate and contact the wheel rim. Tesla Service inspects and tightens or replaces the bolts free of charge.
- Did brake problems on the 2019 Model 3 cause crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 10 crashes and 4 injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2019 Model 3, with no fires reported in this category.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically appear on the 2019 Model 3?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2019 Model 3 is 6,750 miles.
- How does the 2019 Model 3 compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2019 Model 3 had 66 brake complaints (11% share), lower than 2021 (125 complaints, 19% share) and 2022 (167 complaints, 22% share), but higher in share than 2018 (92 complaints, 9% share).