2013 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 29 brake complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, 6% of that year's 459 total complaints, with 10 crashes and no fires or injuries. A related recall (17V260000) covers electric parking brake calipers, though it applies to 2016 Model S/X, not 2013.
- Brakes complaints
- 29
- 6% of 459
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 71,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe unexpected forward lurching or sudden acceleration while braking during low-speed parking maneuvers, sometimes causing property damage or crashes.
- Some report the friction brakes taking several seconds to become effective after rain, snow, or a car wash, leading to reduced stopping power in wet conditions.
- Owners describe complete brake failure with warning messages on the dashboard, with the car stopping itself and requiring a software update before it could be driven again.
- Vibration in the brake pedal during braking was reported as persisting even after a dealer service visit.
- One owner describes a floor mat sliding under the brake pedal and preventing the car from stopping.
When 2013 Tesla Model S brake complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 5, 2014, latest Feb 27, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 17V260000Apr 19, 2017Brakes31,709 vehicles
Parking brake
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Risk: If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Brakes complaints by Model S 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 2013 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 29 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, which is 6% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Tesla Model S?
- There is a related recall, campaign 17V260000, covering electric parking brake calipers with an internal gear that could fracture, but it applies to 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles, not the 2013 model.
- Did the brake complaints lead to crashes?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 10 crashes associated with the 29 brake complaints for the 2013 Model S, with no fires or injuries recorded.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2013 Tesla Model S is 71,500 miles.