The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the parking brake independently activated, causing the driver’s side rear tire to become flat. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
2016 Tesla Model S brakes problems
56 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 11,000. 18 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 56
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 11,000
- crashes
- 18
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Tesla Model S brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Tesla Model S brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
- Risk
- If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1‑877‑798‑3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Recall number 17V260000 · Recall details
What 2016 Tesla Model S owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake and the vehicle kept rolling forward. The contact opened the door for the vehicle to come to a stop. On another occasion, the contact stated that the ADAS feature engaged and while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to recognize stop signs, traffic lights, or pedestrians. The contact stated that the function was a paid feature; however, the system failed to operate as designed. On another occasion, the contact stated that the steering will shift to one side while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was made aware, and the contact had a pending appointment scheduled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
My car slams on the brakes consistently at green lights when FSD is activated. This is version 12.5.4.2 of FSD. Tesla is not responding to my inquiries.
Vehicle Error: Parking brake not applied/Vehicle may free roll. This issue appeared to be covered by the attached recall, but the service center indicated that it did not apply to my vehicle. Therefore, they charged me for the repair. I do not understand this as the recalled vehicle criteria seems to match my vehicle information. Are you able to evaluate whether this recall should apply to my vehicle? Thank you. Repair Notes: Installed Vehicle Set of Wheels. Replaced RH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper. Replaced LH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper.
Tesla has refused to fix safety recall items. They asked me to replace the cluster own my own so i can receive updates.
1. The component that failed was the parking brake. This failure occurred immediately after leaving the Ballard Way Tesla Supercharger. Tesla in Lynnwood, WA, replaced one of the parts on [XXX]. I am unsure if the replaced part is available for inspection, as I did not retain it. The other brake caliper, which has not been replaced, has not shown issues but is available for inspection. 2. The safety risk was significant as the parking brake malfunction rendered my vehicle immovable, causing a traffic obstruction immediately after use and again on the road, potentially endangering myself, other motorists, and pedestrians due to the unexpected immobilization of my vehicle in traffic. 3. Yes, the problem was acknowledged by the Tesla service center in Lynnwood, WA, which replaced one of the malfunctioning parking brake components on [XXX], thereby confirming the malfunction. There was also confirmation of recall 17V‑260 and that my vehicle was experiencing the same symptoms. 4. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by the manufacturer's service center (Tesla in Lynnwood, WA). There were no inspections conducted by police, insurance representatives, or other parties as far as I am aware. 5. Yes, there were intermittent issues with the parking brake being unresponsive when attempting to park the car a few days prior to the incident at Ballard Way. Although the physical brake had not locked up until the incident occurred, the parking brake fault warning did appear intermittently, indicating a potential issue before the complete failure experienced on the day of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Similar issue to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V260000. Vehicle was in park. Shifted the vehicle into drive and the passenger side parking break seized and would not release.
Driving 75mph on cruise control. Car sensed a vehicle in front of me (which there were no vehicles in sight) my Tesla started flashing the red car light and making the alert noise. My vehicle automatically slammed on the brakes dropping me to about 40mph instantly. My greatest fear continuing to drive this vehicle is if I use cruise control, and it senses a vehicle in front of me without their actually being a vehicle and slams on the brakes again myself or someone is going to get hurt. This has the potential to cause death or cause severe injury.
The car was on enhanced auto pilot and was moving at about 50 mph, the traffic in front of me slowed down. The car failed to give an alert, it failed to slow down and stop. I applied the breaks, but by then the car crashed into the pick-up truck in front of me. The car came to a complete stop after the crash and the computer system in the car completely shut down. The car had to be towed to the garage. My safety and the safety of the driver in front of me were at risk due to malfunction of the enhanced auto pilot system We immediately filed a service ticket with Tesla and upon repeated requests we were told that car could not be inspected and the breaks or auto pilot system could not be tested as the car was not drivable. Police and car insurance company were notified. Tesla was able to provide us with a EDR There were no warning signs or messages prior to the malfunction.
1) repeated incidents of Tesla ghosting braking on the highway in autopilot. Sometimes with no cars in sight 3) braking from a high speed to 35 or 40 mph - would have definitely caused a crash if auto close behind me 3) all incidents have been reported to teslas with time date stamps and they have never gotten back to me and ignored all my warnings that this will cause an accident ( which I now see it has ) I can get a date and time on some if needed. You can also search the Tesla support call log
Questions about the 2016 Tesla Model S brakes
Does the 2016 Tesla Model S have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 9% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2016 Tesla Model S brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 11,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Tesla Model S brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V260000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Tesla Model S have bad brakes?
The Tesla Model S model years with the most brakes complaints are 2016 (56 complaints), 2013 (25 complaints) and 2017 (25 complaints).
Other 2016 Tesla Model S problems
Suspension 211Electrical 150Steering 87Acceleration 82Driver assistance 78Lights 49Visibility 39Body 31Transmission 18Fuel system 15Wheels 15Airbags 14Engine 6Locks 6Seats 3Seat belts 1Tires 1
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