Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Tesla Model S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the parking brake seized while leaving a charging station, and the vehicle screeched into oncoming traffic and stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle had not been charged prior to a snowstorm, and the battery became fully drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the main battery and 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced before the diagnostic test. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle failed to shift into drive or move. The jack mode was disengaged. While driving, the rear wheels were screeching. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: SB-21-33-002). …
The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated he heard an abnormal noise and the parking brake failed to release. The contact stated that the parking brake fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the parking brake system but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle off the highway. The contact continued to reset the parking brake until the parking brake disengaged and he was able to drive to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the parking brake, the rotor, and the brakes to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V260000 (Parking Brake) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 57 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking was inadvertently activated. The emergency brake fault and parking brake fault warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,143.
- Vehicle accelerated while I was pressing the brake on my 2013 Model S Tesla Car - My vehicle rammed into another vehicle waiting at the traffic light resulting in damage to both the cars as well trauma for the female driver in the other car - I see exact complaints have been filed by many others - Tesla has rejected these complaints and blamed it on the driver - There were no warning indications
Mileage: Approximately 177,379 miles Location: California Component: Electric parking brake (EPB) / gear selection Description: My vehicle's electric parking brake intermittently locks the car in place when I come to a stop, such as at a traffic light. This has happened 5 times in the last 4 weeks. When it occurs, the car will not shift into gear and will not move at all. The only way I have been able to recover is to keep trying to shift until it eventually releases, or to put the car into Tow Mode and then take it back out of Tow Mode. There is no way to predict when it will happen or how long it will take to clear. This is a serious safety hazard. When it happens at a stoplight, I am stuck in the travel lane while traffic resumes around me, creating a significant risk of a rear-end collision. It could also strand the vehicle in an intersection. …
Hello, I recently read this complaint #11394551. I experienced this same issue. It was shocking and scary - during wet weather, my brakes would not work for upwards of 3 seconds and the braking distance was worsening each month. My car literally was sliding through stop signs as though it was on ice - but it was not nor was there snow on the ground. Tesla service was able to fix this concern on my car by doing two things per Tesla: 1. New brakes/rotors all around 2. Installing a shield to which prevented water from constantly hit the brake components (I was told this constant water application is what caused the components to fail) I was fortunate and did not have an accident or injury. It saddens me to read compliant #11394551. I assumed Tesla would be fixing this concern on all cars as it clearly was a safety issue; however, it appears a recall or fix was not done on all cars. …
Brake pedal switch is malfunctioning causing the brake lights to turn on by itself when driving 60mph+ when I am pressing only the gas pedal and then it's causing the engine to shutoff or power reduced due to "both pedals pressed" alert in the system. This can cause an accident 1st for sending the wrong brake light signal for the drivers behind me and 2nd to shut off engine when driving at high speeds. If this happens when driving uphill can cause the car to slow abruptly and even start going backwards due to engine shut off. Also I have concern that I had to reverse press (pull back) the brake pedal with my left foot in the middle of the highway to get rid of the alert while I was pressing the gas pedal with my right foot and then to regain gas power to continue to speed. Again, this is dangerous action that can cause an accident.
Sept 30, 2022. Driving East bound on interstate 10 ,east of Tallahassee FL, car started flashing dash RED. Car applied brakes while going 70 mph. Car made me pull off the road because of applied braking. It would not release the brakes. I called Tesla Roadside assistance, "you have a flat tire". Attached are screenshots. I didn't have a flat tire. Had to get towed 300 miles home. Next day brakes released, drove car. I keep getting error codes everyday. Car has been in service, "nothing wrong". This a safety Hazzard, imagine in heavy traffic on a bridge.
Car when parked over time fails to move when engaged citing parking brake fault. I don't even use parking brake. Car is completely jammed. I looked up online and found a recall notice for the same issue where calipers were at fault.
This is a telsla Model s in the junkyard that is just one of many which have run into the back of another vehicle. Https://www.iaai.com/vehicle?itemid=22544553&rownumber=3&loadrecent=true there appears to be a disproportionate number of teslas appearing in salvage yards with heavy front end damage. It seems probable that the habit of "one pedal driving" that Tesla owners brag about on the forums May be playing a part in this. Not only do drivers fail to have the foot "covering the brake" as taught by driving schools but also the regenerative braking is reported to be highly erratic and depends upon the state of charge of the batteries and is also subject to alteration by each new release of software. Relying on erratic regenerative braking is problematic but also it is likely to degrade the driver's muscle memory and braking reflex possibly leading to pedal confusion. …
Related recalls
Parking brake
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.
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.
Brake complaints in other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 5% of the model year's 461 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Tesla Model S brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-260 (parking brake, Apr 19, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Tesla Model S brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.