How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 60 brake-related complaints for the 2016 Model S, which is 9% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S?

Yes. Recall 17V260000, reported April 19, 2017, covers electric parking brake calipers whose internal gear may be improperly manufactured and fracture; Tesla replaces both left and right calipers free of charge.

Were there crashes or injuries linked to these brake complaints?

NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints for the 2016 Model S shows 18 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries.

At what mileage do brake problems tend to appear on the 2016 Model S?

The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2016 Model S is 15,000 miles.

Do other Model S years have more brake complaints than 2016?

By share of complaints, 2019 (18%) and 2018 (16%) are higher than 2016's 9%, though 2016 has the highest raw count at 60 complaints among years listed.

2016 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 60 brake-related complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S, 9% of that year's 646 total complaints, with 18 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries reported. A related recall (17V260000) covers electric parking brake calipers with an internal gear that may fracture.

Brakes complaints: 60; 9% of 646
Crashes reported: 18
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 12
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating instead of stopping when the brake pedal was applied, resulting in collisions with walls, pillars, or parked objects.
Some drivers report the brake pedal produced no response at all, with no slowdown and no warning alarm before hitting the vehicle ahead.
Several complaints describe the car failing to stop while parking, running over curbs or bumpers and striking nearby structures or vehicles.
One owner reported the adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking did not engage when a vehicle ahead stopped abruptly, causing a rear-end collision at 57 mph.
A separate report describes a wheel and suspension component detaching before a crash that was followed by a fire.

When 2016 Tesla Model S brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 5, 2016, latest Apr 7, 2025.

60 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Apr 2025; peak Nov 2016 (5).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 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.

20121 (2%)
201329 (6%)
201415 (4%)
201541 (6%)
201660 (9%)
201726 (6%)
201827 (16%)
20198 (18%)
20206 (8%)
202116 (9%)
202211 (8%)
20235 (4%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 60 brake-related complaints for the 2016 Model S, which is 9% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S?: Yes. Recall 17V260000, reported April 19, 2017, covers electric parking brake calipers whose internal gear may be improperly manufactured and fracture; Tesla replaces both left and right calipers free of charge.
Were there crashes or injuries linked to these brake complaints?: NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints for the 2016 Model S shows 18 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries.
At what mileage do brake problems tend to appear on the 2016 Model S?: The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2016 Model S is 15,000 miles.
Do other Model S years have more brake complaints than 2016?: By share of complaints, 2019 (18%) and 2018 (16%) are higher than 2016's 9%, though 2016 has the highest raw count at 60 complaints among years listed.