How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Model S, which is 9% of the 178 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Tesla Model S?

No. The data shows no related recalls listed for brakes on the 2021 Model S.

Did the brake complaints lead to any crashes?

Yes, 3 crashes are tied to the brake complaints for the 2021 Model S, with no reported fires or injuries.

What is the most common brake issue reported?

Owners most often describe sudden, unexplained hard braking events, often called phantom braking, occurring during Autopilot or adaptive cruise use.

At what mileage do brake problems typically appear on the 2021 Model S?

The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2021 Model S is 32,637.5 miles.

2021 Tesla Model S Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model S, 9% of the 178 total complaints filed for the year. Three crashes and no fires are linked to this component. No brake-related recall exists for this year, and median mileage at failure is 32,637.5.

Brakes complaints: 16; 9% of 178
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 32,638 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden, unprompted hard braking ("phantom braking") while using Autopilot or adaptive cruise control, sometimes with no vehicle or obstacle nearby.
Several drivers describe being thrown forward or nearly rear-ended after the car braked abruptly on the highway without warning.
One owner reported a total loss of braking response, with the pedal going to the floor and only a clicking noise, resulting in a curb and sidewalk impact.
A driver said the automatic emergency braking system failed to activate before a low-speed crash into a parked car.
One complaint describes intermittent total brake loss near freezing temperatures, after car washes or driving on wet roads without using the brakes.
One owner said the brakes felt weaker than expected, comparing stopping performance unfavorably to another vehicle after hitting an animal.

When 2021 Tesla Model S brake complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 8, 2020, latest Aug 12, 2026.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2020 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2022 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

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 2021 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Model S, which is 9% of the 178 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Tesla Model S?: No. The data shows no related recalls listed for brakes on the 2021 Model S.
Did the brake complaints lead to any crashes?: Yes, 3 crashes are tied to the brake complaints for the 2021 Model S, with no reported fires or injuries.
What is the most common brake issue reported?: Owners most often describe sudden, unexplained hard braking events, often called phantom braking, occurring during Autopilot or adaptive cruise use.
At what mileage do brake problems typically appear on the 2021 Model S?: The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2021 Model S is 32,637.5 miles.