YearToAvoid

2014 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 15 brake-related complaints for the 2014 Tesla Model S, 4% of that year's total complaints, including 5 crashes and 3 injuries. One related recall (campaign 17V260000) covers electric parking brake calipers, but it applies to 2016 Model S/X, not 2014.

Brakes complaints
15
4% of 365
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
38,875 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the car surging forward or accelerating unexpectedly while braking, in some cases leading to collisions.
  • Several complaints describe antilock brake and power-assist failures within the braking system.
  • Some owners report pressing the brake pedal but having the accelerator pedal engage simultaneously, blaming the pedal size and spacing.
  • Owners describe the electric parking brake failing to hold the car in place, allowing it to roll after being placed in park.
  • Multiple complaints filed under the brakes category actually describe the center touchscreen (MCU) going black or shutting down while driving, which owners say disabled related safety functions.

When 2014 Tesla Model S brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 12, 2015, latest May 31, 2026.

2014 Tesla Model S brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2015May 2017Jan 2020Aug 2020Dec 2021Aug 2022Nov 2022
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2015 to May 2026; peak Aug 2020 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2014 Tesla Model S

  1. 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.

  1. 20121 (2%)
  2. 201329 (6%)
  3. 201415 (4%)
  4. 201541 (6%)
  5. 201660 (9%)
  6. 201726 (6%)
  7. 201827 (16%)
  8. 20198 (18%)
  9. 20206 (8%)
  10. 202116 (9%)
  11. 202211 (8%)
  12. 20235 (4%)
  13. 20240 (0%)
  14. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA lists 15 brake-related complaints for the 2014 Model S, which is 4% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2014 Tesla Model S?
There is one related recall, campaign 17V260000, covering electric parking brake calipers, but it was issued for 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles, not the 2014 model year.
Have the 2014 Model S brake complaints led to crashes or injuries?
Yes. Of the 15 brake-related complaints, NHTSA data shows 5 involved crashes and 3 involved injuries.
At what mileage do 2014 Model S brake problems tend to appear?
The median mileage at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2014 Model S is 38,875 miles.
Is the 2014 Model S worse for brake complaints than other years?
Its 4% share of complaints is on the lower end compared to other years like 2016 (9%), 2018 (16%), and 2019 (18%), based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.