2019 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 63owner reports
- 8,500median miles
- 8involved a crash
Newest report Jul 30, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
63 of the 610 complaints on this car describe brake wear.
Tick what matches of 63 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the brakes covers the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 3,000 and 30,000 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Car will break "phantom breaking" slowing down +20mph very quickly with nothing on the highway in front or behind. It typically happens before bridges, major shadows on highway. There are 2 places in Little Rock Arkansas on the highway that it does it every single day in the same spot with nothing around! Has nearly caused people to crash into me from behind. I stopped driving with the autopilot.”
Filed Jun 5, 2022
“Autopilot break the car for no reason on highways and high speed. Always happen on I-5 at Anaheim, CA to Los Angeles, CA area.”
Filed Jun 3, 2022
“While driving along the interstate on my commute at freeway speeds 60-70 miles per hour, the emergency braking system will suddenly engage, and the car will issue a collision warning. During these incidents there is no car at risk for striking my vehicle or slowing down in front of my car. My commute usually occurs in the evening and early in the morning. This typically happens at least once during my work week.”
Filed Mar 3, 2022
“On a cold day at 26F, the parking system will seized. When attempting to move, you will have to move the accelerator pedal nearly more than a quarter to break free. This is extremely dangerous if you are parking close to another vehicle ahead.”
Filed Feb 26, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 8 of 63 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Airbag warning light or recall 82 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 82 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 77 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 76 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 64 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 59 reports