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Should a brand-new Tesla Cybertruck be getting a “Brakes Too Hot – Braking Performance Reduced warning? Is it the truck or driver error?
First, picture buying a new 2025 Tesla Cybertruck, and a day after you get it, you want to take a road trip and check out your new truck. Any new truck owner would like to do it.
You live in Los Angeles, and Mount Baldy is a short one-hour drive to the summit. It’s the perfect day to drive to check out your new electric truck. The sun is shining and you can’t wait to get on the road.
You calculate the distance, and you should have enough range to make the trip.
Your new Cybertruck is everything you expected, and its performance was perfect on the trip up the mountain.
At the summit, you notice that you still have 55% of the battery capacity left. That’s great because the regenerative brakes will recharge the battery on the way down.
However, the return trip down the mountain is a different story.
Halfway down the steep mountain, you see a bright red “Brakes Too Hot – Braking Performance Reduced” warning notification.
You did notice that the regenerative queue is grey, not green, as you descended on the highway.
Now, your recently purchased truck needs to be taken to the Tesla Service Center for inspection.
Here’s what Gary Duvall says on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook post.
What a bummer! Picked up a new CT on Monday and had to take it to service today. What necessitated the service call was that I drove the CT to the top of Mt. Baldy (in SoCal) and then back down.
The battery was about 55% at the top. On the trip downhill, I noticed the regenerative brake (bar) was grey (like when the accelerator is applied). It should have been green.
Anyhow, about halfway down the hill, I got the following warning:
Breaks too hot – breaking performance reduced
I suspect the CT has been using breaks to slow the truck, and that the regenerative braking has not been working, possibly since the date I picked up the truck. Additionally, the battery percentage did not increase during the trip down.
Anyone else have this issue?, he asks.
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Is This A Cybertruck Issue or Driver Error?
Some Tesla Cybertruck owners have reported experiencing the “Brakes Too Hot. Braking Performance Reduced” warning while descending steep grades, particularly when relying heavily on regenerative braking.
This warning indicates that the vehicle’s braking system is overheating, and regenerative braking may be limited as a result.
Here’s why this happens and what owners should be aware of:
- Regenerative Braking Limits: Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, use regenerative braking, which slows the vehicle down by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the battery.
- Steep Grade Challenges: When descending a long, steep grade, such as Mount Baldy, the vehicle may need to rely more on the friction brakes (the traditional brakes) to maintain a safe speed, especially if the battery is already fully charged or cold, which limits regenerative braking.
- Overheating: Heavy and prolonged use of the friction brakes can cause them to overheat, leading to the warning message and reduced braking performance.
- Warning Indication: The “Brakes Too Hot. Braking Performance Reduced” warning is displayed on the vehicle’s instrument panel to alert the driver of the situation.
What Should You Do If You See the Warning?
In such situations, drivers are advised to reduce speed, allow the brakes to cool down, and consider using lower gears or a lower speed setting on autopilot to minimize brake usage.
Potential for Phantom Braking: While not directly related to the “Brakes Too Hot” warning, some Cybertruck owners have reported issues with “phantom braking,” where the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly applies the brakes on its own.
This is a separate issue that can be triggered by various factors, including camera-based safety systems, and is not directly related to the brakes overheating.
What Should Owners Do Now?
Maintenance: Tesla recommends that Cybertruck owners have their brake fluid checked and potentially replaced more frequently than other models, especially if they frequently tow, drive in mountainous areas, or engage in performance driving, particularly in hot and humid environments.
Conclusion:
Gary concludes, It was 70 degrees, and the battery charge was about 50%. With those conditions, I was getting a grey bar when it should be green. Also, the battery percent did not increase. The issue must be either software- or hardware-related.
Tesla says, “To experience the same amount of deceleration whenever you release the accelerator pedal, regardless of the state of the battery, you can choose to have the regular braking system automatically engage whenever regenerative braking is limited. Touch Controls > Dynamics > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited. When enabled, the brake pedal may feel stiffer or move when pressed. This is expected and does not affect your ability to slow down the Cybertruck.”
Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited may not operate if the brakes are extremely hot.
How About You?
Have you ever had the ‘Brakes Too Hot – Braking Performance Reduced’ warning on your Cybertruck? If so, we encourage you to click the red ‘Add New Comment’ link below and share your experience. Your insights could help other owners facing similar issues.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: 5-0 Pulled My 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Over For Not Having Tags, I Told Him They Are Not Required In Texas, He Checked With Higher Ups and Let Me Off the Hook
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Gary Duvall
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Source: torquenews.com
