VehicleVerdict

2020 Tesla Model 3 brakes problems

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 46 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

46

Brakes complaints

6%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Model 3 brakes complaints by model year167 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 87 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 46 complaints2021: 125 complaints2022: 167 complaints2023: 54 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 11 complaints
Model 3 brakes complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

21V387000BrakesMay 25, 2021 · 5,974 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.

Consequence

Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

What owners report

WHEN I SLOWED DOWN ON A CITY STREET, AND TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR SPEEDED UP BY ITSELF. AND THE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT. THE CAR GLIDED INTO A POWER POST.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 8, 2020 · crash

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA has 46 complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model 3 brakes — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 21V387000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.