Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Tesla Model S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a Tesla Model S. The contact stated while parking into a parking space, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently. The contact stated the braking panel button was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to continue to move forward, hit the sidewall, and inadvertently accelerate on its own crashing into a wall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated the vehicle was diagnosed however, Tesla had not informed her of the diagnosis. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
I'm not sure what component was responsble for either the braking issue or the fire. It is available for inspection. When driving the brake pedal had a frightening delay that almost caused 2 accidents and unfortunately my car was charging on the 24th of October which could have something to do with arching that led to my garage catching fire rendering the car unable to move or turn on after the incident. I've insisted Tesla insurance to look into possible causes because the Fire dept. mandated the a LADWP (power company) to install new transformers to our power supply a couple of days after the fire, which they did. Tesla insurance seems uninterested in finding the cause and wants to compensate me for the vehicle but I believe it's in their best interest to find a cause and document it. …
On [redacted], my 2018 Tesla Model S (VIN [redacted] ) experienced a complete brake system failure while in motion. The brake pedal was pressed multiple times, but the vehicle did not stop, resulting in a collision. The emergency brake also failed to engage. 1. Component/System Failure: The braking system, including both the standard hydraulic brakes and the electronic emergency brake, failed to operate. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: This put my safety and the safety of others at immediate risk, as I was unable to stop the vehicle to avoid an accident. 3. Confirmation of Problem: The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Tesla service center since the accident, but the vehicle previously had recalls in 2021 and January 2024 for brake and emergency brake issues that Tesla claimed to have remedied. 4. …
I pulled my Tesla Model S in a parking lot, and as I turned the car into a parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb next to the parking lot and hit a tree. The car speed when I pulled into the parking lot and then into a parking spot was very low. so I was very surprised and startled to see the car suddenly on its own accelerating and jumping the curb.
I purchase a used 2018 Tesla Model S about two months ago. Braking is very "jerky, causing me and my passenger to "lurch forward" unnecessarily. I run into this "phantom braking" issue numerous times every time I drive. It happens both on Automatic Cruise Control and FSD and under different circumstances" and encompasses: (1) Sudden braking for no apparent reason; (2) Sudden braking that is unnecessary or is too forceful for the circumstances; (23 If the car is on automatic cruise control or FSD, it will slow down and stop too far away from the car in front. So, I push the accelerator to close the gap. When I left my foot off the accelerator, the software apparently thinks it's too close the car in front, and jams on the brakes unnecessarily. …
I purchased the Tesla Mold S with Autopilot feature in August 2018, then upgraded it to Full Self Driving for $5,000 and got it through a software update at the end of 2021. But this FSD feature has many defects such as hesitating before turning or stopping at a sign, which makes the car swing around like a drunk; Sometimes it doesn't turn the turn signal on when changing the line, and even enters into the reverse lane. If the above problems can be taken over by switching human drive to avoid accidents, phantom braking is a terrible safety problem that can not avoid accidents. There have been many times in which the vehicle suddenly decelerated and braked without warning while driving by FSD. Fortunately, the rear vehicle did not follow too close or the rear driver took deceleration measures in time to avoid rear-end collisions. …
I pulled into a driveway on a one lane road (due to construction) to allow a car traveling downhill to pass so they would not have to back up. I had come to a complete stop in the driveway with the car in drive. As I started to put the car in reverse it surged forward at a high rate of speed crashing into my neighbor's garage, tearing the door completely down pushing the door into the garage and my car entering the garage at least 15 feet hitting the car that was parked inside and pushing it with such force that the front end of the vehicle struck the garage cabinets tearing them down. My air bag did not deploy nor did the automatic braking system engage, it just sped up as it was doing the damage. The car has been deemed a total loss by my insurance company but i don't want this report to go unnoticed. To my knowledge the insurance company has not inspected the computer on the vehicle. …
My 2018 Tesla Model S has a recurring safety-critical defect involving the steering system and the Chassis CAN communication network. On October 20, 2025, the vehicle had to be towed to a Tesla Service Center because it would not power on and displayed multiple safety alerts (traction control disabled, stability control disabled, ABS disabled, and reduced steering assist). Tesla documented that the steering rack was "bringing down the Chassis CAN" and stated the issue might require a new steering rack and coolant pump if it returned. The warnings have now returned, and the vehicle is again showing active alerts for disabled traction control, disabled stability control, and previously reduced steering assist. This is a repeat of the same unsafe condition that Tesla attempted to repair. The car is unsafe to drive and could cause loss of steering control. …
Recently saw an article that NHTSA was looking into "Ghost Breaking" with Tesla cars. This is something we have experienced with our Model S on a few occasions in 2018 and 1029. Haven't been driving that car that much now during the pandemic. Problem reported to Tesla: While driving on US 101 in Bay Area (driving from Milpitas to South SanFrancisco), and the car on Adaptive Cruise Control, the car would suddenly break and resume driving again. This not only scares the driver, but could be very problematic in a crowded lane. Telsa has looked into it when we complained and there was not definitive answer or fix. Hope the recent considerations by NHTSA will result in a through root cause and corrective action. Thanks!
While driving at approximately 40 MPH the car suddenly braked by itself! A sound alarm and display indicator were also activated. After a couple of seconds the event resolved without any intervention. Their was no warning lamps or messages prior to the event. At the time I was driving on a divided road and there was light traffic at the time. The car was not on cruise control or auto-pilot. My concern was being rear-ended by the vehicle behind me! The car has not been inspected by anyone since the event.
Brake complaints in other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2018 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 15% of the model year's 170 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Tesla Model S brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2018 Tesla Model S, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Tesla Model S brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries 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.