2021 Tesla Model 3 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 125 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 19% of all complaints that year, tied to 11 crashes, 5 injuries and 1 fire. A related recall (21V387000) covers loose brake caliper bolts on 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles.
- Brakes complaints
- 125
- 19% of 663
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 18,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal becoming unresponsive or feeling frozen while slowing down, sometimes accompanied by an ABS-like pulsing that does not actually engage.
- Several owners describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly while their foot was fully on the brake pedal, resulting in low-speed parking-lot collisions.
- Some complaints describe sudden, unprompted hard braking while adaptive cruise control was active, creating a rear-end collision risk.
- Owners report a loose brake backing plate screw contacting the brake disk, causing noise while driving and braking.
- One owner reported that regenerative braking engaged abruptly while lifting off the accelerator in rainy conditions, which they believe shifted vehicle weight and contributed to a crash.
When 2021 Tesla Model 3 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 28, 2020, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
- NHTSA lists 125 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Model 3, making up 19% of all 663 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
- Yes. Recall 21V387000, reported on 2021-05-25, covers loose brake caliper bolts on 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles that could allow the caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim. Tesla Service inspects and tightens or replaces the bolts free of charge.
- Have brake issues caused crashes or injuries on the 2021 Model 3?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set includes 11 crashes, 5 injuries, and 1 fire.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2021 Model 3?
- The median mileage at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2021 Model 3 is 18,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years for brake complaints?
- Brake complaints made up 19% of all complaints for the 2021 Model 3, higher than 9-13% for the 2018-2020 and 2023 model years, though lower than the 22% share seen in 2022.