2021 Tesla Model 3 service brakes problems
125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 — 19% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“As we were normally driving, the car lost power immediately with no warning sign. After the power is lost, brake does not function, electrical door button doesn't function, hazard light doesn't function. Car was able to scroll to a complete stop to the side of the road. The steering wheel is…”
filed Sep 9, 2026
“The forward-facing camera and Autopilot computer system on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 has failed. The dashboard first showed intermittent warnings that "Automatic Emergency Braking is currently unavailable" and "Adaptive headlight features are unavailable." Over several weeks the problem worsened from…”
filed Jun 12, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the…Campaign 21V387000 · May 25, 2021
Related service bulletins
On certain Model 3 vehicles, brake lines may be corroded beyond acceptable limits, which may result in loss of brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid will result in a customer facing alert if the fluid reaches the…
SB-26-33-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 8, 2026On certain Model 3 vehicles, brake lines may be corroded beyond acceptable limits, which may result in loss of brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid will result in a customer facing alert if the fluid reaches the…
SB-26-33-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 11, 2026
Service Brakes problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model 3 | 12 | 10% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 3 | 1% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 54 | 13% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 166 | 22% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 46 | 10% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 60 | 10% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 88 | 9% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 3 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Tesla Model 3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.