2021 Tesla Model Y brakes problems

The 2021 Tesla Model Y has 182 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

182

Brakes complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Model Y 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

“Power was lost completely while car was on the road, breaks stop working and unable to stop. Driver had to go off road to prevent collision and road a accident. Towed to Tesla center. Diagnosis is âinternal shortâ but did not elaborate. No explanation and answer why break did not work. External…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 2024 · crash

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model Y have?

NHTSA has 182 complaints about the 2021 Tesla Model Y brakes — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model Y brakes?

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

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.