2021 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 124owner reports
- 11involved a crash
Newest report Jun 12, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
124 of the 657 complaints on this car describe brake wear.
Tick what matches of 124 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the brakes covers the 2021 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
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“I have experienced several incidents of âphantom braking.â The brakes automatically apply, slowing the car abruptly, when there is no discernible reason.”
Filed Feb 4, 2022
“When driving at low speeds (below35) we have had 2 instances of the car braking with no obstacles.”
Filed Feb 3, 2022
“While driving in cruise control, my Tesla 3 braked for no reason. No accident occurred because no one was behind me. It has happened about 10 times. It has not been confirmed by a dealer because I do not live near a dealer. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. No warning lights or messages appeared to warn me.”
Filed Feb 3, 2022
“While using the autopilot feature on my Tesla, there have been several instances where the car will brake suddenly for no apparent reason. This has happened at high speeds and at slow speeds under various conditions. The braking is so severe that if a car was following behind they would have to react quickly to avoid an accident. Multiple instances over the last year.”
Filed Feb 3, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 11 of 124 reports involved a crash and 5 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
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 261 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 239 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 57 reports