2021 Tesla Model S service brakes problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2021 Tesla Model S — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my EV just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this…”
filed May 13, 2026
“Front suspension has a popping and creaking sound when driving and turning steering wheel. Safety issue as sounds something is loose but Tesla says no issue it’s the body flexing which is even scarier to hear the panels rattling if this is in fact true. Tesla will not do anything about it…”
filed Sep 18, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 Model S | 11 | 8% |
| 2020 Model S | 6 | 8% |
| 2019 Model S | 7 | 16% |
| 2018 Model S | 25 | 15% |
| 2017 Model S | 25 | 6% |
| 2016 Model S | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 Model S | 21 | 3% |
| 2014 Model S | 10 | 3% |
| 2013 Model S | 21 | 5% |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Tesla Model S
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.