2020 Tesla Model 3 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 48 brake complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 11% of all complaints that year, with 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries reported. A related recall (21V387000) covers loose brake caliper bolts on 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. Median mileage at failure was 1,495 miles.
- Brakes complaints
- 48
- 11% of 451
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 1,495 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal failing to respond when depressed, sometimes causing the vehicle to accelerate instead of slow down.
- Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration paired with brake failure during low-speed maneuvers like parking or pulling into a driveway.
- Some drivers report unexpected hard or 'phantom' braking events while using autopilot or adaptive cruise control on the highway, with the car slowing abruptly for no visible reason.
- One owner described the brake pedal feeling spongy and unusual just before the vehicle failed to stop as intended.
- Another owner reported the brake pedal being very hard to fully depress at highway speed, describing resistance they attributed to regenerative braking.
When 2020 Tesla Model 3 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 7, 2020, latest Sep 3, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2020 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 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?
- NHTSA lists 48 brake-related complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, which is 11% of the 451 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
- Yes. Recall 21V387000, reported May 25, 2021, covers 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles where brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim. Tesla Service inspects and tightens or replaces the bolts free of charge.
- Have the 2020 Tesla Model 3 brake problems caused crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this component and year shows 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries reported among the 48 brake complaints.
- At what mileage do 2020 Model 3 brake problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component and year is 1,495 miles.
- How does the 2020 Model 3 compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2020 model's 48 brake complaints (11% share) are lower than 2021 (125 complaints, 19% share) and 2022 (167 complaints, 22% share), but higher in share than 2024 (4 complaints, 2% share).