Recall 17V260 affects 31,709 2012-2017 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles for defective parking brake calipers. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 31,709 2012-2017 Model S and Model X vehicles because an internal gear in the electric parking brake calipers can fracture during parking brake use. A broken gear can keep the vehicle from moving or let it roll after parking brake application, which raises crash risk; Tesla service will replace the calipers free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric parking brake on the 2012-2017 Tesla Model S and Model X uses small calipers to hold the vehicle still after you park. Inside each caliper is a gear that moves the parking brake mechanism when the brake is applied or released. That gear has to stay intact so the brake can clamp and let go as commanded.
On affected vehicles, some internal gears were made as setup pieces instead of regular production parts. The gear is made from powdered metal that is pressed, then heated into a solid part. A nonstandard pressing step left cracks in some gears before that heating step. When the parking brake is applied or released, a cracked gear can fracture inside the caliper.
You can see the warning on the vehicle display. During release, the alert says the parking brake did not release and tells you to contact Tesla Service. During application, the alert says the parking brake needs service and warns that the car is free rolling.
Who's affected?
Covers Model S vehicles from 2012 through 2016 and Model X vehicles from 2016 through 2017, all involving the same parking brake component.
| 2013 Tesla Model S | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tesla Model S | Parking brake |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | Parking brake |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | Parking brake |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | Parking brake |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | Parking brake |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 31,709 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the gear breaks while releasing the parking brake, the vehicle cannot be moved. If it breaks while applying the brake, the parking brake can fail to hold the vehicle, letting it roll and increasing crash risk. Watch for parking brake service alerts and contact Tesla service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2017 Tesla Model S or Model X is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla service to schedule the free electric parking brake caliper replacement that addresses the improperly manufactured internal gear.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V260 and Tesla recall SB-17-33-002 when you call.
- Choose level parking and confirm the vehicle is in Park until the electric parking brake calipers are replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the service center, a Tesla technician replaces both the left and right electric parking brake calipers. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file, so if you've already paid out of pocket for the same parking brake caliper repair, contact Tesla customer service and keep the repair invoice and payment documentation ready for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 19, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V260?
Recall 17V260 covers 31,709 2012-2017 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with electric parking brake calipers that have an internal gear defect. Tesla service centers replace both left and right electric parking brake calipers for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2017 Tesla Model S or Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V260. If it is, contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or a Tesla service center to schedule replacement of both electric parking brake calipers. Reference Tesla recall SB-17-33-002.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers free of charge through its service centers.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V260?
The parking brake can fail in either direction. If the gear breaks during release, the vehicle cannot move. If it breaks during application, the parking brake can fail to hold the vehicle, creating a rollaway risk and increasing crash risk.
When did Tesla start this recall repair?
Tesla began recall 17V260 on March 6, 2018. The remedy is available, so affected owners can contact Tesla customer service or a Tesla service center to arrange the free electric parking brake caliper replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V260000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V260 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V260000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →