2015 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 41 brake complaints for the 2015 Tesla Model S, 6% of that year's 667 total complaints, with 6 crashes and 5 injuries reported. A related recall (17V260000) covers electric parking brake calipers, though it targets 2016 Model S/X. Median mileage at failure was 48,000.
- Brakes complaints
- 41
- 6% of 667
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 48,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report unintended forward or backward surging while engaging the electronic parking brake in a garage or driveway.
- Some describe the vehicle moving on its own during low-speed parking maneuvers, resulting in collisions.
- Several complaints describe sudden, unexpected full stops or brake lock-up while driving on the highway, in one case nearly causing a rear-end crash.
- One owner reported brakes locking up completely while driving, with the brake actuator suspected as the cause.
- Multiple reports describe main touchscreen (MCU) failures that also disabled brake lights, turn signals, and rear camera functions, which owners said made the car feel unsafe to drive.
When 2015 Tesla Model S brake complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 3, 2016, latest Jun 9, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2015 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 NHTSA have for the 2015 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA lists 41 brake-related complaints for the 2015 Model S, which is 6% of the 667 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S?
- There is a recall, campaign 17V260000, covering electric parking brake calipers with a gear that could fracture, but it was issued for 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles, not the 2015 model year.
- At what mileage do brake problems tend to appear on the 2015 Model S?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints for the 2015 Model S is 48,000 miles.
- Were there any injuries or crashes linked to 2015 Model S brake complaints?
- NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints shows 6 crashes and 5 injuries, with 0 fires reported.