2016 Tesla Model X Brakes Problems

I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side of the road. I then discovered that I could not use the parking brake or turn on the flashers. There is no manual parking brake, and the car thought it was still driving. I was facing downhill and the only way to keep the car from rolling was to keep my foot on the brake. I had to call 911 and could only safely exit the vehicle, after they had ensured it would not roll. Again, I could not exit the vehicle, or even put on flashers to warn traffic. Tesla attempted to have me reboot the operating system but this also failed -- apparently there is no manual reboot or brake avalible.

NHTSA ID

11751426

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

2016 Tesla Model X experienced Electronic Parking Brake failure with alerts stating ‘parking brake did not release.’ Tesla is charging for replacement despite known EPB defect and recall affecting 2016 Model X vehicles. This is a safety-related braking issue.

NHTSA ID

11712871

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

While driving a notification popped up, parking brake may not be applied while driving. This notification appears in rain or snow making me think it is weather related malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID

11710187

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

My 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN [XXX] ) was manufactured in March 2016 according to the sticker on the driver door. My car is experiencing the same issue as the Tesla Service Bulletin #SB-17-33-002 under NHTSA's recall # 17V2600 when putting the vehicle into drive or reverse from park. Tesla is stating they can not perform the service work because there is no recall specifically for my VIN# even though the car is showing the same error messages on the diagnostics screen and showing the same symptoms and failure as the recall and service bulletin. The repair requires the replacement of the parking brake calipers which is a safety issue if not replaced which could result in not properly functioning when needed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle displays warning messages not to drive the vehicle, the parking brake is not released and could cause damage to the brake pads if driven, and to take to the Tesla service center. Tesla is proposing the same repair and solution as the recall / service bulletin and wants to charge me $1,500 for something that should be under the recall, especially since my car was manufactured during the specified timeline of Feb 2016 to Oct 2016 and should fall under the safety issue with the same issue as the recall. This recall needs to include my VIN # and any Model X built during this timeframe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11645449

Incident

Feb 9, 2025

I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple follow-up appointments and additional repairs, the problem was never resolved.

NHTSA ID

11632757

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I was informed that mismatched tires and front-end components were contributing to the problem, and repairs were completed. However, the original issue persisted. Subsequent visits for additional repairs also failed to resolve the problem, and new safety concerns emerged. Complicating matters, the Richmond Service Center has since closed, and its staff were terminated. When I contacted the Westchase Service Center, Manager Andrea P. informed me that no resolution or agreement could be reached. I have attached the following invoices for your review: Invoice #[XXX], dated April 26, 2024 Invoice #[XXX], dated November 9, 2023 I am requesting the following: A full review of my service history and unresolved issues. Immediate repairs to address motor and safety concerns at no additional cost. A clear explanation of Tesla’s policies regarding unresolved repairs, especially with closed service centers. This situation has caused financial and personal hardship. I urge Tesla to address these issues promptly to restore my confidence in your brand. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632748

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

On May 30, on a 55 mph highway, my Tesla Model X was traveling at highway speed in thick traffic. The vehicle was using cruise control, but not auto pilot. In other words, the auto steering function was not engaged. A vehicle that the Tesla Model X was following came to a sudden, unexpected stop. I applied the brake pedal with full force. The anti-lock brakes engaged and the brakes began pulsing (normal anti-lock brake behavior). However, while the brake pedal was depressed with full force, the anti-lock brakes stopped pulsing and the brake pads disengaged from the rotors. The car coasted as if the brake pedal was not depressed. The brake failure resulted in a frontal collision with the stopped vehicle. A police report was filed at the scene of the crash. There were no physical injuries and the Tesla Model X was driveable after the incident. However, the car that was struck had significant damage (but no bodily injuries). Because the Model X was driveable, I attempted to recreate the incident 12 hours later. However, as I tested the brakes, they behaved normally. With the fully depressed brake pedal, the antilock brakes stayed active until a full stop of the vehicle. Is it possible that the frontal collision system malfunctioned? As the frontal sensors detected an impending crash, did the car's computer disengage the brakes mistakenly? The car had no warning lights prior to May 30. However, at the exact time of the crash, two codes were registered. (I used the Tesla service mode to access them). One code states the anti-lock brakes were active. The second code registered exactly 2 seconds later and states "Pedestrian safety system fault". There is a police report, but we have not received it yet. I had to check NO in the form because the form would not allow me to move forward unless I uploaded the report. I can upload the police report when I receive it.

NHTSA ID

11591676

Incident

May 30, 2024

Display MCU1 is unsafe or at end of life and unsafe locks up goes dark and unresponsive for long periods of time, unable to drive sometimes my my car is under warranty either they should fix it or upgrade it, I was told I need to upgrade it but my car is still under new car bumper to bumper warranty either fix it or replace it, if MCU1 doesn’t work then replace it with MCU2 and honor the new car bumper to bumper warranty

NHTSA ID

11562222

Incident

Dec 25, 2023

I had an interaction with this vehicle on snow/ice packed I70 in Colorado, almost to the Kansas border. This car passed me, then immediately cut in front of my truck in the right lane and quickly slowed to about 10 mph with no warning. The car then pulled over onto the snow packed shoulder.

NHTSA ID

11560515

Incident

Dec 14, 2023

the autopilot was engaged and the system failed, it james the breaks hard and it started scraping the body above the tire

NHTSA ID

11537068

Incident

Aug 2, 2023

While driving in the carpool lane with my mother in law to work with my wife, the car abruptly activated the brakes while in auto steer mode and necessitated my immediate slamming on the gas to increase my speed to avoid a rear collision.

NHTSA ID

11501097

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

Hi, the car isn't allowing me to drive because I get a notification saying "Parking brake not applied, Vehicle may free roll". It's been getting worse each day. I see that Tesla recalled this issue for models from October and older. My Model X is a November baby however I believe the calipers are the same from the October and older models. Please help [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11497553

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

The Model S and X has a recall for vehicles from 2015 to October 2016 builds. The recall is about the "parking break not released" when shifting to drive. My Model X is built in November 2016 and occasionally gets the warning of "parking break not released" from time to time. I would like to aware you guys and to please look into this issue that im facing. It may help if you guys over at NHTSA can look into what parking break Part numbers are installed on models earlier than my November 2016 built. Thanks!

NHTSA ID

11494939

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

On several the vehicle suddenly automatically brakes and warns there is an obstacle ahead when there is no such obstacle. Happens often on curved roads but also on straight always or even freeway with no vehicle or obstacle to be seen. Estimate it happens several times a month/a time or two a week.

NHTSA ID

11467360

Incident

Jun 2, 2022

Electronic parking brake error messages. 1. when powertrain is selected from park to drive, error message says, parking brake may not have fully disengaged. 2. other occasional times when powertrain is selected from drive to park, error message says, parking brake may not have engaged in each of the above cases, i can hear the parking brake servos engaging / disengaging but error messages are concerning telsa recommends replacing parking brake units, estimate is over $1300 for both rear wheels i also came across this NHTSA recall, my car was delivered 2016 dec, nto sure of the date of manufacture. both dates fall into the NHTSA recall recommendation. have sent this recall doc to tesla service as well, waiting for feedback https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V260-5503.PDF

NHTSA ID

11451134

Incident

Feb 2, 2022

THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED OFF DETACHING THE REAR WHEEL/TIRE, BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND STRUT/AXEL RENDERING THE CAR IMMOBILE. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN 20 MINUTES SOONER AS MY GF AND I WERE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS - THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING, CATASTROPHIC MULTIYEAR CRASH BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE... WE WERE BACKING OUT >1MPH OF A PARKING SPACE IN A VERY SHALLOW CURVE WHEN IT SNAPPED - WE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND I THINK THE ELECTRONIC BRAKING TRIED TO STOP THE WHEEL FROM ROLLING JAMMING IT FURTHER AT ANGLE INTO THE WHEELWELL. THERE WAS NOR HAD THERE BEEN ANY UNUSUAL IMPACTS ON THIS TIRE NOR THE VEHICLE FROM POTHOLES/SUDDEN STOPS OR ANY ACCIDENTS OF ANY KIND.

NHTSA ID

11406844

Incident

Apr 1, 2021

Mileage

57,000 mi

WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING THE MAIN MCU FROZE DUE TO A MANUFACTURER KNOWN MEMORY CORRUPTION DEFECT AND WOULD NOT REBOOT. THIS DEFECT FAILURE IMPACTS ACCESS AND CONTROL OF THE FOLLOWING SAFETY FEATURES, TURN SIGNALS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, EMERGENCY BATTERY DISCONNECT, FOG LIGHTS (FRONT AND REAR), AUTO HIGH BEAMS, REAR PEDESTRIAN CAMERA, SUSPENSION (INABILITY TO DISABLE AUTO LEVELING FOR TIRE CHANGING OR TOWING), TRACTION CONTROL SLIP START, SIDE MIRROR ADJUSTMENTS. BATTERY SAFETY LIMITS FOR ACCELERATION AND REGEN BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE SAFETY LIMITS ARE ALSO DISABLED. THIS MCU FAILURE ALSO PREVENTS REFUELING (L3 DCFC STATIONS). AS WELL AS THE HVAC SYSTEM FROM BEING TURNED OFF WHILE PARKED. WHICH CONTINUED TO DRAIN THE PRIMARY BATTERY FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE ODOMETER IS ALSO NOT AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS THE HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH FEATURE AND OTHER NON SAFETY FEATURES. THE INITIAL INCIDENT OCCURRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER SWITCHED TO A BACKUP MEMORY PARTITION TO REPAIR OR WORKAROUND THE DEFECT ISSUE TEMPORARILY. WITHIN 3 MONTHS, LESS THAN 1,000 MILES LATER, THE BACKUP PARTITION ALSO BECAME PERMANENTLY CORRUPTED AND REQUIRED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE UNIT, OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11337992

Incident

Feb 10, 2020

Mileage

50,000 mi

SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF STOPPING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR JUMPED A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK, WENT OVER A CURB, CLIMBED AN EMBANKMENT, AND STRUCK A TREE BEFORE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE CAR SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAPTURED THE INCIDENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. PHOTOS OF THE SCENE AND THE RESULTING DAMAGE TO THE CAR ARE ALSO ATTACHED. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING A ROUTINE TRIP THAT I DRIVE ABOUT 4 TIMES EACH WEEK. WEATHER, TRAFFIC, AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR IN THIS INCIDENT. THE CAR DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT.

NHTSA ID

11306541

Incident

Jan 20, 2020

Mileage

6,000 mi

PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE THE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED

NHTSA ID

11301362

Incident

Oct 23, 2019

Mileage

24,372 mi

THE CAR AUTO ACCELERATED ON A SURFACE STREET AND CRASHED

NHTSA ID

11118315

Incident

Jul 1, 2018

Mileage

28,059 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE IN FRONT WHILE PARKING THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. WE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO TESLA BUT THEY GOT BACK TO US DENYING ANY CAR MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED THE ACCELERATION. HOWEVER WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER TODAY SAYING THAT AFFECTED PARKING BRAKE CALIPER MAY CAUSE IN ROLLAWAY AND CRASH.

NHTSA ID

10995447

Incident

Nov 12, 2016

Mileage

1 mi

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE WITH NHTSA RECALL CODE 17V-260. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING BRAKE CALIPER THAT "CAN RESULT IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE A PARKED VEHICLE" OR AN "INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH". I RECEIVED THIS NOTICE TODAY, JUNE 10, BUT TESLA DOESN'T EXPECT TO HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS UNTIL OCTOBER!! THIS TO ME SEEMS UNREASONABLE.

NHTSA ID

10994294

Incident

Jun 10, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL X. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

NHTSA ID

10915633

Incident

Oct 7, 2016

Mileage

1,000 mi

HERE IS A FRESHLY UPLOADED VIDEO OF AN OWNER USING AUTOPILOT HANDS FREE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RO4DHFCUYEO AT 2:10 INTO THE VIDEO HE PASSES AN ONCOMING SCHOOL BUS ON AN UNDIVIDED ROAD WHILST WAVING HIS HANDS AROUND AND TALKING TO THE VIDEO RECORDER. THERE NEEDS TO BE A VERY LOUD AND CLEAR WARNING ISSUED TO DRIVERS THAT SUCH BEHAVIOR IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL. BETTER YET, THE AUTOPILOT EXPERIMENT SHOULD BE HALTED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE ACT BEFORE MORE LIVES ARE LOST.

NHTSA ID

10893343

Incident

Aug 2, 2016

Mileage

2,000 mi