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Campaign 21V387 Posted May 25, 2021 5,974 units

2019-2021 Tesla Model 3/Y Recall 21V387: Caliper Bolts

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 21V387 affects 5,974 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for loose brake caliper bolts. Tesla Service repairs it for free.

Tesla is recalling 5,974 2019-2021 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because loose brake caliper bolts can let the caliper separate and contact the wheel rim. Rim contact can cause tire pressure loss and raise crash risk, and Tesla service will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The brake caliper is the part that holds the brake pads around the rotor at each wheel. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure pushes the pads through the caliper so they clamp the rotor and slow the vehicle. The caliper is bolted to the wheel knuckle with fasteners that have to stay tight.

On affected Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, one of those brake caliper fasteners was not secured correctly after assembly work. Tesla traced the issue to a process where a properly tightened fastener was loosened later, and the torque record did not account for that loosening. If the fastener backs out, the caliper can separate from its mounting point and contact the inside of the wheel rim.

Owners can hear abnormal noise if the loose caliper touches the inner surface of the rim. That noise is the warning sign Tesla identified before the condition is found.

Who's affected?

Both Model 3 and Model Y are listed under hydraulic brake system components related to the brake caliper fastener.

2019 Tesla Model 3 hydraulic brake system
2019 Tesla Model 3 hydraulic brake system
2020 Tesla Model 3 hydraulic brake system
2020 Tesla Model 3 hydraulic brake system
2020 Tesla Model Y hydraulic brake system
Units affected5,974
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

A brake caliper that contacts the inner rim can damage the tire area, cause tire-pressure loss, and increase the risk of a crash. If you hear abnormal noise from the wheel area, stop driving when safe and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free brake-caliper-bolt inspection and tightening or replacement, which addresses loose bolts that allow the caliper to contact the wheel rim.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V387 when you contact Tesla Service.
  4. Limit driving until Tesla Service completes the repair, because caliper contact with the rim can cause tire-pressure loss.

What happens at the repair

At a Tesla service center, a Tesla technician inspects the brake caliper bolts, tightens any loose bolts, and replaces caliper bolts if tightening is not enough. The repair is available now and is free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. After the work, the caliper is kept secured to the brake assembly instead of separating and contacting the wheel rim.

Timeline

May 25, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
May 27, 2021 Dealer notification began
May 27, 2021 Dealer notification ended
July 23, 2021 Owner notification mailed
July 23, 2021 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
July 23, 2021 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V387?

Recall 21V387 covers 5,974 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with brake caliper bolts that can be loose. A loose caliper can separate and contact the wheel rim, causing tire pressure loss and increasing crash risk. Tesla Service will inspect, tighten, or replace the bolts for free.

What should I do if my 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V387. If it is, contact Tesla Service to schedule the brake caliper bolt inspection. Tesla will tighten the bolts or replace them as needed at no charge. Reference Tesla recall SB-21-33-002 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V387, Tesla Service will inspect the brake caliper bolts and tighten or replace them as necessary free of charge.

Is it safe to drive my Tesla before the brake caliper bolt repair?

Recall 21V387 does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is that a loose brake caliper can contact the wheel rim, cause tire pressure loss, and increase crash risk. If you hear grinding, feel a wheel issue, or see tire pressure loss, stop driving and contact Tesla Service.

What if I bought my Tesla Model 3 or Model Y used?

The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Model 3 or Model Y is included, then contact Tesla Service and reference recall 21V387 or Tesla recall SB-21-33-002.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V387000
Tesla customer service1-877-798-3752
NHTSA recall #21V387
NHTSA recall # (full)21V387000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →