Tesla Model Y features quietly removed

Tesla Model Y buyers in Australia are getting less braking bang for their buck.

Tesla Model Y owner Donny Yang posted in the Tesla Owners Australia Facebook group after discovering the Brembo four-piston front brake calipers on his new EV weren’t present, with two-piston ‘sliding’ Hitachi units in their place.

Though only the flagship Model Y Performance has been equipped with bright red Brembo calipers, the base rear-wheel drive (RWD) and Long Range variants have been fitted with identical, unpainted units.

Brembo front calipers

It’s not known when the changeover from the Brembo to Hitachi brakes was made, though Tesla now lists service guides for both front calipers on its website.

The carmaker also still lists prior service guides for ‘non-Performance’ Model Ys, which clearly shows the Brembo front brakes.

While some commenters on his post dismissed Mr Yang’s concerns about the downgrade, claiming the regenerative braking system negates the need for performance Brembo brakes, others pointed out the larger calipers were able to better cope with repeated, hard stops.

It appears there’s no change to the diameter of the Model Y’s front brake rotors, which measure 355mm.

Model Y Performance rear caliper covers Image via ZEVcentric

It’s also not the first time Tesla has quietly made changes to the braking package on its Model Y.

In January 2023, owners of new Model Y Performance variants discovered the rear four-piston Brembo brake calipers had been replaced with smaller Mando calipers, which were disguised by a red cover to appear unchanged.

By contrast, Volkswagen’s ID family of EVs use drum rear brakes, due to the regenerative braking assistance from their electric motors and lower maintenance costs.

MORE: Everything Tesla Model Y