2018 Tesla Model 3 brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 3, 2026NYBrakes

   The break line ruptured causing loss of hydraulic pressure. The root cause was corrosion of the break line. This caused a major safety risk as I was unable to stop/slow the car down and had to coast to a stop. This is a known problem as addressed in Tesla's service bulletin SB-26-33-001. Tesla chose not to do a recall nor inform it's customers to get it inspected. The cost to replace the break line with corrosion resistant parts (as should have been done in the original…

   NHTSA complaint #11761910 · source
2. Filed Aug 14, 2026MABrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   Description of the Safety Defect:My 2018 Tesla Model 3 AWD suffered an abrupt and catastrophic total loss of mechanical braking power while driving. The brake pedal went completely soft, and the vehicle lost hydraulic pressure.An independent mechanic inspected the undercarriage and confirmed that the factory steel hydraulic brake lines completely rusted through and ruptured, leaking all brake fluid from the system. This vehicle has 142,905 miles and has been operated in…

   NHTSA complaint #11756949 · source
3. Filed Mar 29, 2026VABrakes

   My hard brake lines were corroded and had to be replaced on a 7 year old model 3 with 70k miles on it. The cost was over $4000 as battery has to come out and it's very labor intensive. Tesla offered no help with paying for this. They tried to say the car probably was in a very corrosive environment before I bought the car (I purchased it about a year ago). However, I've seen little to no corrosion anywhere on the car. I've decided to report this issue after talking with…

   NHTSA complaint #11727777 · source
4. Filed Dec 23, 2025MIBrakes

   Vehicle is 7 years old with 107,000 miles. I received a warning regarding low brake fluid with instructions not to drive the vehicle. Dealer is advising all brake lines are rusted out and need replacement. Rusted lines are apparently causing the brake fluid to leak. I've never heard of any vehicle, let alone a 7 year old vehicle, needing all brake lines replaced. After researching online, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 is not the only Tesla Model 3 with this issue. Specifically, it…

   NHTSA complaint #11706805 · source
5. Filed Oct 24, 2025IABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Repeatedly and randomly, with cruise control (not FSD) engaged, the car would brake, sometimes aggressively. The last time, it braked so hard the tires or brakes squealed and the car swerved slightly before I was able to regain control. This was on the freeway (in Colorado, if I remember correctly) while I was cruising at 70 or 75 MPH. I decided that that was the last time I would use cruise control; it was just not safe. I had an appointment on October 22 to take the car in…

   NHTSA complaint #11695523 · source
6. Filed Oct 13, 2025VABrakes

   The brake lines badly rusted creating safety hazard as Tesla service reported when working on other maintenance. Not a warranty issue not covered as repair is over $3800. Vehicle was not abused and was kept clean regularly - this seems to be a vehicle defect if the brake lines can get moisture trapped behind the battery pack and create excessive corrosion requiring brake line replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11693135 · source
7. Filed Sep 2, 2025CACrash1 injuredTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Main incident: Time: 2025-08-28 ~12:41 PM PST What happened: After searching for a parking space, the driver was preparing to reverse into the spot, the driver pressed up the stalk to shift the gear into reverse, a sound was heard and something showed up on the screen, the vehicle once again started accelerating and running forward suddenly and sharply (3 mph to 28 mph in 3 secs), driver tried to steer the vehicle away from cars and buildings to minimize danger, the car…

   NHTSA complaint #11684449 · source
8. Filed Aug 27, 2025CTBrakes

   All 4 Brake lines (tubes) from either from ABS or Brake booster pump are corroded and pierced. All brake fluid leaked front center of the vehicle and lost all brake. Brake lines or tubes are looks good from under the front and back tires. It looks like a quality of the brake lines / tubes from ABS to the bottom are not meeting the expected quality.

   NHTSA complaint #11683439 · source
9. Filed Jul 14, 2025CABrakes

   My Tesla got stuck in a McDonald's drive-through because the EPB (Electronic Park Break) refused to disengage. I believe it got stuck as the vehicle was pulling up to the window to pay and I had to reach out with my phone to tap their payment terminal to use Apple Pay. Then the park brake engaged I believe because I possibly lifted up from my seat, yet had my foot on the brake, but when I put it into drive, it refused to disengage. So my car got stuck for about an hour until…

   NHTSA complaint #11673494 · source
10. Filed Jun 15, 2025ALBrakesElectrical System

    My brake lines began to leak. When I took the car to the Tesla Service center they repaired the brake lines, but in the process they found that the brake fluid had leaked in/on the battery compartment. Furthermore, they found a coolant leak that also leaked on/in the battery compartment. This cause a hole to develop into the battery compartment. Having the coolant and brake lines in a place that could affect the batteries is a significant design flaw of the Model 3.…

    NHTSA complaint #11666979 · source
11. Filed Dec 28, 2024CACrashBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I was at a stoplight behind a Toyota Tacoma. I must have stopped around 8 feet behind it. I was not using FSD and I was not one-pedal driving. My foot was on the brake. I must have been at a complete stop for approximately 10 seconds when my Model 3 suddenly accelerated full throttle on its own and rear ended the Tacoma, directly hitting its trailer hitch, causing my car's driver-side airbags to deploy. When it happened, the light was still red and my foot was still on the…

    NHTSA complaint #11632896 · source
12. Filed Dec 27, 2024CABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    On December 24, 2024 I was driving on Freeway 5 South and all of the sudden my vehicle came to an abrupt breaking without any reason. The traffic ahead of me was of normal traffic. This abrupt breaking happened twice within 5 minutes of time span. I have notified Tesla Service Center and the service center gave me a quote of $137.50 for diagnostic and to schedule the service. I felt that this issues should be taken care of by Tesla with no charge to me. This is a safety…

    NHTSA complaint #11632783 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology