2020 Tesla Model X Powertrain (other) Problems

While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and had to be towed to a Tesla service center. Tesla's own technician confirmed multiple Battery Management System faults and an internal fault within the high voltage battery pack. A full HV battery replacement was required. The vehicle had been purchased 14 days prior and had only been driven approximately 723 miles at the time of the incident. Safety of driver and passengers was at risk due to unexpected loss of power and loss of accelerator response while driving at speed.

NHTSA ID

11736694

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

When turning a loud cranking sound is heard and it makes it hard to turn. It as if something is stopping it from turning.

NHTSA ID

11726034

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

My 2020 Tesla Model X experiences severe vibration, shaking, and rattling during acceleration, especially between about 20–45 mph and at higher suspension settings. The vibration is strong enough to affect steering stability and safe control of the vehicle during acceleration and lane changes. Tesla has already replaced the front half-shafts twice under warranty for this same problem, but the issue has returned again. This is a known defect documented by Tesla in Service Bulletin SB-21-39-001, which describes excessive front drive unit half-shaft vibration during acceleration and defines the repair with updated components. The latest revision of this bulletin (R3, dated January 19, 2024) explicitly adds “Customer Pay billing” instructions. Despite this, my local Tesla Service Center in Tempe, AZ (Supervisor: Lewis Holguin) refused to apply the SB-21-39-001 Customer Pay billing and instead charged full retail for the repair. On 11/28/2025, I was billed $1,694.86 out of pocket to replace both front half-shafts again (invoice shows approx. $1,046 in parts and $564 in labor). I have documentation showing that other Tesla customers with the same defect were billed only $350 under SB-21-39-001, which demonstrates that Tesla does apply a discounted bulletin rate in some cases. In my case, they refused to honor it even though this is a repeat failure of the same known defect and the prior warranty repairs did not permanently fix the problem. This is a repeat driveline/suspension defect that affects drivability and safety under acceleration. The shaking and vibration make it difficult to maintain stable vehicle control, especially during highway merging or lane changes. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate recurring front half-shaft failures and vibration/shudder issues on Tesla Model X vehicles and Tesla’s inconsistent handling of this known defect and service bulletin.

NHTSA ID

11701961

Incident

Nov 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The contact stated there was a grinding and whining sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 30 MPH and the sound was constant. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front-end half-shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11626341

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Mileage

46,000 mi

On December 9th, 2023 my 2020 TESLA Model X accelerator pedal broke off while accelerating up a hill. This caused the vehicle to stop and become undrivable on a blind curve uphill. This caused a significant safety risk to me and other drivers. The vehicle had to be towed with police assistance to block traffic due to where the vehicle became inoperable. I had to pay out of pocket about $500 for the repair plus $450 in towing expenses.

NHTSA ID

11561075

Incident

Dec 9, 2023

Coolant leak in less then 5 months. Had this same problem in November 2021. Tesla replaced Value no.3. In April 2022 Tesla replaced Value no. 3&4. Very concerned since my warranty is running out soon.

NHTSA ID

11462392

Incident

Apr 17, 2022

UPON ACCELERATING THE FRONT END BOUNCES AND VIBRATES UNSAFELY. TESLA IS AWARE OF THE FAULTY DANGEROUS DESIGN, YET THEY CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR MODEL X WITHOUT DISCLOSING TO PURCHASER. ADDITIONALLY, THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT NEW FRONT HALF AXLES WILL ONLY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. THE BOUNCE HAPPENS WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR OFTEN WHEN ACCELERATING FROM ONE SPEED TO ANOTHER. THE BOUNCE HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE APRIL BUT REPEATED REPAIR REQUESTS TO TESLA HAVE BEEN REFUSED.

NHTSA ID

11351368

Incident

Apr 20, 2020

Mileage

5,000 mi

WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP THE PARKING CURB AND STRIKE A RETAINING WALL. I HAVE THE VIDEO FROM THE CAR. WHILE TURNING RIGHT INTO AN AVAILABLE PARKING SPOT, I WAS ABOUT 80% INTO THE SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED.

NHTSA ID

11320402

Incident

Apr 5, 2020

Mileage

2,470 mi