2017 Tesla Model X Owner Complaints

The main vertical display which shows rear view camera when car is in reverse is extremely slow. My rear view camera at times doesn’t show up until 15-20 seconds of putting the car in reverse and sometimes, the camera doesn’t even come up. This happens frequently on a weekly basis. I think the unit needs to be replaced for the camera and the entire car to be responsive. Now to answer your questions: 1. Yes it is available for inspection upon request 2. By the rear view camera not turning on the second the car is in reverse. This puts everyone’s safety at risk. 3. I have not gone anywhere to show it. It’s just a very slow computer, everything on it works very slow, needs replacement. 4. No it has not been. 5. No.

NHTSA ID

11754356

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Both Garnish - Fender - Front - LH Right side and Left side come loose when driving in rain. The force of wheels pushing rain water on the fender garnish causes both the left and right fender garnish 4 push clips to come loose. When this fender garnish breaks and flies off it could hit a pedestrian, another car on the road or the car it is installed on causing an accident

NHTSA ID

11741160

Incident

Jul 2, 2018

My 2017 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing stiff and binding steering caused by corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft universal joint. The steering intermittently binds and resists normal turning force, which has caused Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to disengage due to abnormal steering resistance — a direct safety concern. Tesla’s own Service Bulletin SB-20-32-004 documents this exact condition — I-shaft U-joint corrosion causing stiff steering — on Model S and Model X vehicles. The bulletin covers 2015–2020 model years. However, Tesla service center stated that my VIN is not classified under this bulletin and that the $500 repair is an out-of-pocket expense not covered under warranty or goodwill. The issue has not yet been repaired. I am currently operating a vehicle with a known steering defect that Tesla has documented in its own service bulletin but has declined to cover for my specific VIN, despite my vehicle exhibiting the identical failure. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether the VIN classification for SB-20-32-004 is appropriately capturing all affected vehicles, and whether this issue warrants escalation to a formal safety recall — particularly given the impact on automated driving system performance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738097

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to control and was pulling to one side, almost causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer test drove the vehicle and the failure reoccurred, and the dealer deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred shortly after the stabilizer arm and toe link were repaired. The contact also stated that a mobile message indicated that the I-shaft had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,340.

NHTSA ID

11731679

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Mileage

55,340 mi

Repeat catastrophic steering failure on 2017 Model X (VIN [XXX] ). Steering wheel spins freely with zero connection to the wheels (complete mechanical disconnect). This is the third steering-system repair in under 12 months. • April 8, 2025: Lower intermediate shaft replaced (still inside 12-month parts warranty). Invoice does NOT list ‘shielded’ or part 1027851-00-A. • Current failure now requires full steering rack (1070801-00-F) + module + severed cable. Current estimate DOES list shielded I-shaft (1027851-00-A). Tesla claims the April repair used the ‘most updated’ part and that TSB SB-20-32-004 did not apply to my VIN. This contradicts the invoices and the TSB itself (which covers 2015–2020 Model X). Tesla previously admitted they cannot rule out a connection to the prior repair and that this severity is something they have "never seen." Safety risk: Could have occurred on highway with loss of vehicle control. Tesla has denied goodwill. Attached: All invoices, estimates. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11730732

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

High voltage battery management system generated fault codes BMS_u008 and BMS_f071 during a Supercharger charging session, prohibiting drive mode. Vehicle had been driven normally to the Supercharger with no drive-prohibiting alerts during transit. After connecting to the Supercharger, fault codes manifested. Despite fault condition, vehicle continued charging to 93% state of charge before requiring towing. This is the second such event — original HV battery also generated BMS fault alerts prohibiting drive mode during a charging session in January 2024 and was replaced with a remanufactured assembly. Third-party firmware alert data shows recurring hardware charging fault alerts (CHG_f018, CHG_f076, customer message: Unable to charge) occurring in January and February 2026, weeks prior to the March 2026 failure. Alert DI_u014 also fired repeatedly on March 18, 2026 indicating insufficient 12V supply contributing to undriveable condition — a separate system from the HV battery. Tesla Service Center has not investigated whether Supercharger charging events contributed to either failure, has not produced Supercharger session logs, and has not attempted software-level fault resolution before recommending full hardware replacement. Tesla's own firmware documentation describes BMS_u008 as potentially self-clearing and BMS_f071 as having a documented clear condition. Remanufactured battery subsequently drained from 88% to 0% over 11 days while unplugged at service center — 6-9% per day versus normal 1-3% per day vampire drain, consistent with active BMS fault causing abnormal parasitic draw.

NHTSA ID

11728947

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

I experienced a total steering lockup and loss of vehicle control immediately following a steering column and suspension repair at a certified Tesla service center at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11726879

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving and rolling up the front driver's side window, the exterior window lower chrome detached. The contact was able to grab the chrome piece before the chrome piece flew off the vehicle. The chrome piece was reinstalled on several occasions; however, the failure recurred while rolling up the window several times. A Service Center was contacted through the Mobile App and provided an estimate for the part replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11725827

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

Approximately one to two months ago, the driver-side front door latch on my 2017 Tesla Model X malfunctioned and prevented me from exiting the vehicle through the driver door. I first attempted to open the door using the manual interior door handle (manual mechanical release), but the door did not unlatch. I then attempted to open the door using the electronic door release, but it also failed to open the door. When attempting the electronic release, the door actuator clicked multiple times but the door did not open. Even while pushing outward on the door while activating the release, the latch would not disengage. Because the driver door would not open using either the manual or electronic release mechanisms, I exited the vehicle through the passenger side door. Later, after applying significant pressure to the driver door and repeatedly attempting to open it, the door eventually opened. Tesla service has indicated that earlier front door latch assemblies require a retrofit and that both front doors must be retrofitted. I was given an estimated cost of approximately $1,500 or more for the latch retrofit plus an estimated diagnostic fee of approximately $200 or more. I am concerned this represents a safety defect involving failure of both the electronic and manual door release mechanisms, which prevented normal occupant egress through the driver door.

NHTSA ID

11721809

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

The electronic power steering (EPS) is struggling, requiring increased driver effort to steer. This seems to be dangerous when driving. The Full Self Driving (FSD) capability also stops abruptly when the steering locks up. Again, this is very risky and can cause serious accidents. I see that several owners have posted on social media about this same issue. Note, that there were recalls issued related to corroded steering bolts for Tesla Model X built up till November 2016. My car is built in 2017.

NHTSA ID

11708780

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

Reproducible and sudden loss of indicated driving range at low state of charge (SOC) for 6 months. First documented occurrence on 9 September 2025 during my final service visit while the vehicle was still covered under Tesla’s 8-year unlimited-mile high-voltage battery warranty, at which time no corrective action was taken. After repeated documented low-SOC range collapses, back to service on 13 November 2025. Tesla acknowledged the fault, verified the condition with diagnostics and customer provided screenshots, and stated that CAN log data indicated the Battery Management System (BMS) was not calculating SOC correctly. Tesla replaced the BMS assembly under warranty as a continuation of the original issue and advised that the vehicle would need to be driven and charged for recalibration. Following this repair, I completed multiple full charge cycles to 100% and allowed time for recalibration. Despite this, the issue persisted with 100% reproducibility, with rapid loss of available range after driving and then parking when the vehicle indicated approximately 14–17 miles remaining. This condition resulted in a near-stranding event involving my family, including three young children, due to the unexpected loss of usable range without warning. I returned the vehicle again on 10 December 2025 to the Tesla Service Center in El Paso for the same unresolved issue. Tesla declined to perform low-SOC diagnostic or drive-down testing, instead stating the behavior was normal and required further recalibration despite prior calibration attempts and a failed warranty repair. Tesla has since stated that the vehicle is now out of warranty and has attempted to reclassify this unresolved condition as goodwill rather than treating it as a continuation of the original in-warranty defect. This condition presents a safety risk due to sudden and unexpected loss of usable driving range at low SOC, creating a risk of vehicle stranding.

NHTSA ID

11706975

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

During home charging using 40A, the 220 volt UMC connector started smoking and was melting. The charging appeared unaffected, and I caught it before it caught fire.

NHTSA ID

11702124

Incident

Nov 30, 2025

Power Steering Assist stopped working while on the road. A couple days later, power steering stopped working completely.

NHTSA ID

11697950

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

The autopilot ECU failed on my car per Tesla. There was no warning on the car that my safety features were disabled. This is also reported online as a common issue and Tesla is charging $2k to repair a safety computer. The computer was advertised as two chips as a failsafe but that was not the case as both failed on my car. I suspect this software updates broke the computer as well and not at fault from the customer

NHTSA ID

11696104

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages “Air Suspension Unable to Raise” and “Functionality May Be Restored on Next Drive” were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11684935

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

Mileage

53,000 mi

I am reporting a safety concern related to the suspension system in my 2017 Tesla Model X. The front tires are rubbing against the wheel arch liner, especially when turning or driving over uneven terrain. I have not made any aftermarket modifications, and the vehicle has been maintained in accordance with Tesla’s recommendations. This issue appears to match the known problem involving front suspension fore link failures documented in NHTSA investigations and prior complaints for 2016–2017 Model X vehicles. While I have not experienced a complete suspension failure, the current symptoms are consistent with reported cases where the fore links weaken or fail, causing the wheel to shift and contact the fender liner, leading to tire damage, unusual noises, and potential safety risks. I have reported this to Tesla, but they have not acknowledged this as a known issue for my VIN. However, NHTSA previously identified over 400 instances of similar failure and recommended that Tesla expand their service bulletin to include more vehicles. This is a critical safety concern as it can lead to premature tire wear, loss of control, and further suspension failure. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Tesla should issue a recall or cover this repair under a broader service campaign.

NHTSA ID

11678645

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

This is the THIRD YEAR in a row that the Suspension System on this vehicle has failed. This seems like it should be a basic feature of any vehicle - that it should have proper shocks and suspension. The problem is the repair this time is estimated to be at $4000, when we have already had this repaired twice for several thousands of dollars. We drive this car very gently, so there is not an issue of us abusing the vehicle. Also, in China, Tesla was forced to recall vehicles over this same issue: Tesla recalls nearly 50,000 Model S and X cars in China over faulty suspension We would like to know if any recalls will be issued.

NHTSA ID

11676502

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Tesla Model X are already known to wear out the rear tires on the inside edge due to excessive negative camber, or wheels tilting inwards from the top. Lowering the suspension setting makes the wheels tilt in even further! This causes more the weight of the car to rest on the inner shoulder of the wheel. Driving this way quickly wears down the inside edge of the rear tires which can cause a sudden and unexpected dangerous blowout

NHTSA ID

11674857

Incident

Jul 20, 2025

The second-row seatbelt in my 2017 Tesla Model X does not retract, preventing proper restraint of a passenger. Tesla acknowledged the issue but refused to repair it, stating the vehicle is out of warranty. This is a failure of a federally mandated safety system and a clear safety hazard under FMVSS 209. I’m transporting children in this vehicle and cannot rely on this seatbelt to function.

NHTSA ID

11667735

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

The Monitor Screen in the middle of the car is not malfunction. It's not working. All the panels on the steering are also not work. the honk is not working. Nothing is working. It could be due to the internet connection.

NHTSA ID

11667439

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

Component: Driver airbag assembly required replacement Risk: Airbag assembly seems serious & life-threatening if not functinal Inspected & replaced by: By Tesla service center Symptom: Horn stopped working

NHTSA ID

11660999

Incident

May 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Restraint System Fault" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local Tesla Service Center who diagnosed that the restraint system sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11660843

Incident

May 1, 2025

Mileage

93,000 mi

The second row bench seats won't recline back to rest position. A safety hazard. It's been a common accuracy. Please help. They will not put out a recall. Look it up online. It's a big problem and Tesla is not doing nothing, but trying charge you $3000 to replace the whole 2nd row bench! Wow

NHTSA ID

11660495

Incident

Apr 22, 2025

I own a Tesla Model X, and for the past two summers I’ve experienced a repeating safety-critical issue during hot weather. After driving for a period in the heat, multiple systems begin to fail. The car displays numerous warnings including: •“Parking brake requires service” •“Traction control disabled” •“Stability control disabled” •“Steering assist reduced” •“Automatic Emergency Braking unavailable” •“Regenerative braking unavailable” •“Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable” When this happens, the steering wheel becomes very stiff and hard to turn, which severely affects my ability to drive and control the vehicle. I’ve brought the vehicle to Tesla service twice. The first time (when it was still under warranty), they said they couldn’t replicate the issue. The second time, I brought it in while the warnings were still active. Tesla only cleaned some sensors and returned the car, but the issue returned again recently with all the same symptoms. This only happens in hot weather. Once the car cools down, the errors disappear. This intermittent issue is difficult for the service center to replicate, but it presents a serious safety risk, especially because steering and braking functions are compromised. I believe this is a deeper electrical or software issue affecting multiple safety systems under thermal stress. The issue has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains dangerous to drive in high temperatures.

NHTSA ID

11660199

Incident

May 10, 2025

The power steering failed sporadically and it could return to normal state after power off/reset or the errors could be latch on for days. When the power steering reduced errors message occur, the steering wheel is too heavy for any turn, we lost steering and went over to the opposite lanes (fortunately there was no on coming traffic). The car needed a tow to the service centre.

NHTSA ID

11650232

Incident

Mar 18, 2025