RoadVitals

2023 Tesla Model X Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
191
Latest Jul 4, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model X, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I own a 2023 Tesla Model X and I am reporting a steering-related safety concern. When making hard left turns, the steering wheel/front end shakes or shudders and makes a LOUD sounds. This does not feel or sound normal and appears to be related to the steering or front suspension system. The issue happens during low-speed turning/maneuvering when the wheel is turned sharply to the left. I contacted Tesla Service regarding the issue. Tesla advised that this is a known issue and that there is currently no available fix. Despite acknowledging that it is a known issue with no repair available, Tesla still wants to charge me a diagnostic fee. I am concerned because this involves the steering system, and I do not believe a vehicle should have steering shake or shuddering during normal turning, especially on a 2023 vehicle. Since Tesla has stated this is a known issue but has no fix, I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect affecting the 2023 Tesla Model X. The issue has not been repaired because Tesla stated there is no fix available at this time.

NHTSA ID 11747871 · filed Jul 2, 2026

My 2023 Tesla Model X suffers from severe, intermittent safety system failures. Specifically, the Automatic Emergency Braking and Steering Assist randomly become unavailable while driving. Tesla Service refuses to repair this, claiming they are "unable to replicate" the intermittent alerts. However, the vehicle's history proves severe safety flaws: Tesla previously had to replace the entire steering wheel assembly and the driver's seat belt lap pretensioner due to failures, and had to recalibrate the forward ADAS camera because it went out of spec causing Autopilot failures. These unresolved, randomly occurring defects pose a severe crash hazard that Tesla is ignoring.

NHTSA ID 11725133 · filed Mar 18, 2026
All 46 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was using FSD any driving on XXX between [XXX] and [XXX]. Suddenly the car put on the 4 way flashers, slowed down and started to pull to the side of the road. There was no shoulder so the car would have stopped in the driving lane. I immediately turned the wheel back into the center of the lane and stepped on the accelerator to avoid being rear ended. Fortunately the traffic was light. There was no indication that the FSD sensed inattentiveness. I was able to continue driving using FSD. This happened twice on my way to Huntersville on XXX and once on the return trip on XXX. I filed a report with Tesla and have an appointment for next week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11748272 · filed Jul 4, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The apparent malfunction involved Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) during an autonomous highway lane change. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The vehicle struck lane delineator posts at approximately 70 mph without any observable warning or corrective action. Immediate manual intervention was required to avoid a potentially more serious collision with surrounding highway traffic. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center UNKNOWN. The incident has not been reproduced or independently confirmed. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?** A Tesla Service Request has been opened. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Tesla or any independent investigator. No police report was filed. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** No. There were no warning lights, warning messages, audible alerts, emergency braking, or diagnostic notifications before, during, or after the incident.

NHTSA ID 11747215 · filed Jun 29, 2026
All 28 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have had “safety system restraints service is required “ as a warning four different times. Took my car in to a Tesla Service Center all 4 times & each time the repair only lasts about 6 months & it comes up again. For the 5th time I am going to the Tesla Service Center in Little Rock, AR. This time I will have to pay because my warranty is up. It is not fair & I want some remuneration or a replacement Model X.

NHTSA ID 11739176 · filed May 20, 2026

On February 17 at approximately 9:30 AM, while my wife was driving uphill, the vehicle abruptly shut down and became completely disabled. It began rolling backward despite her attempting to accelerate. Multiple warning alerts activated simultaneously, and the vehicle would not respond to forward input. Our [XXX] child was in the vehicle at the time. A total loss of power while in motion, combined with unintended rollback on an incline, represents a catastrophic safety defect. This was not a minor malfunction — it created a direct and immediate risk of collision and serious injury. Compounding this concern, on the morning following the incident at approximately 6:00 AM, I discovered one of the vehicle doors open without any user interaction. The vehicle had been secured the night before. This raises serious questions regarding electronic reliability and system integrity. Given the severity of these failures, I have lost confidence in the safety and dependability of this vehicle. My family’s safety cannot be subjected to further uncertainty. If this matter is not resolved promptly and satisfactorily, I am prepared to pursue all available legal and regulatory remedies, including formal complaints to appropriate federal safety authorities. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a written response outlining next steps within five business days. This situation placed my wife and child in direct danger. I expect a resolution that reflects the seriousness of that fact. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11718694 · filed Feb 18, 2026
All 22 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On two occasions while driving using Tesla’s FSD, the brake has failed to engage in emergency situations after engaging the brake pedal. I have reported this issue to Tesla as part of a broader buy back request for my car which has had multiple issues and continues to have multiple issues. Tesla simply stated they could not replicate this issue and denied my buyback request. I do not feel safe driving this car around.

NHTSA ID 11641568 · filed Feb 9, 2025

Episode #2 'Near-death-Experience" Tuesday[XXX] Tesla Model X "Auto Steer" abruptly Stopped on [XXX] between 1.10PM - 1.15PM Sent a message to Tesla around 1.30pm, Exactly the same scenario happened on [XXX]. Coming from [XXX] going to [XXX] , after 10-15 seconds, car STOPPED abruptly. I do not know what happened and still shaken from Episode #1, this incident happened with in 2 weeks apart. After Tesla's review, it was noted that Autopilot was not active at 1.30pm. Tesla can't do anything about this incident, as it is under Beta version and it is the responsibility of the driver to be aware of such situations and should take full control of the vehicle. At that time in this situation, what control I have to take immediate control of when car stopped abruptly. Luckily no vehicles were coming behind and survived second time. Laptop screen blank, pressed gas pedal, breaks and after 30-45 seconds, laptop screen started showing up on the left side panel and quickly drove from the ramp. Basically malfunction of the software and/or a glitch caused car to stop abruptly. Now. we are shaken and worried what to do and go to work and do other chores. We have two Tesla and we are totally lost, now what to do and what options to choose for driving. Based on details posted on internet and number of complaints filed, it looks like that no action has been taken. what are the next steps from Tesla's perspective and NHTSA? F In the last couple of years, more than 1500 hundred complaints have been filed, fatal accidents and people died. Your help is much appreciated so that more lives could be saved, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11622857 · filed Oct 31, 2024
All 12 reports naming brakes

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid's falcon wing doors have had a persistent rattling/squeaking defect since August 2023 that has not been resolved after 9+ repair visits to Tesla service centers. More critically, in November 2025 (Invoice #3000S0014846906), the left falcon door's ultrasonic sensor failed to detect an adjacent vehicle's side mirrors, causing the falcon door to strike and scratch the other vehicle's mirrors — a safety incident for which I was forced to pay out-of-pocket. Tesla replaced the ultrasonic sensor under warranty but did not compensate me for the third-party damage. Additionally, in January 2026, the right falcon door was showing a "press and hold to override" error approximately 20% of the time despite no obstacles being present, requiring replacement of the sensor carrier (Invoice #3000S0015725078). The door sensor failures represent a serious safety hazard as the falcon wing doors can strike pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and property. These issues have not been permanently resolved despite repeated warranty repairs spanning nearly 3 years.

NHTSA ID 11729233 · filed Apr 4, 2026

Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model X Component: Power-operated doors / door latching (auto-close / “cinch” close) Incident type: Finger pinch injury during powered door closing Summary of incident: While using my 2023 Tesla Model X, a powered door closing sequence resulted in a finger pinch injury. The door appeared to close normally and then performed an additional “cinch”/pull-in motion to fully latch. During this final motion, my thumb was caught in a very narrow gap and was pinched. There was no adequate pinch detection/anti-pinch reversal before contact and compression occurred. The gap was extremely small, leaving little time to react. Injury: Thumb crush injury with immediate blood under the nail (subungual hematoma), swelling, and altered sensation/numbness. I obtained medical evaluation and an X-ray, which showed no fracture. A splint was prescribed to protect the thumb. Safety concern: This is a significant pinch hazard because the powered closing/cinching can occur quickly and unexpectedly, and the door does not reliably detect or reverse when a finger is in the closing path. This presents a risk of more severe injury (fracture, nail-bed injury, nerve damage), especially for children. When it happened / conditions: Normal use, low speed/parked. (Add date/time/location if you want.) The incident occurred during the final powered latch/close step (“close then push/pull for full close”). What I want investigated / remedy requested: Request NHTSA to investigate the Model X powered door closing/cinching behavior and pinch detection effectiveness, including whether there are known blind spots or missing/insufficient anti-pinch protections. Recommend Tesla provide a software update or hardware change to improve pinch detection/reversal and/or limit cinch force/speed, and provide clearer warnings/settings to prevent unexpected powered closure.

NHTSA ID 11704919 · filed Dec 14, 2025
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2023 Tesla Model X suffers from severe, intermittent safety system failures. Specifically, the Automatic Emergency Braking and Steering Assist randomly become unavailable while driving. Tesla Service refuses to repair this, claiming they are "unable to replicate" the intermittent alerts. However, the vehicle's history proves severe safety flaws: Tesla previously had to replace the entire steering wheel assembly and the driver's seat belt lap pretensioner due to failures, and had to recalibrate the forward ADAS camera because it went out of spec causing Autopilot failures. These unresolved, randomly occurring defects pose a severe crash hazard that Tesla is ignoring.

NHTSA ID 11725133 · filed Mar 18, 2026

Reat seatbelts become twisted and are not safe. Tesla claims this is a maintenance issue and not a defect in the mechanism. I disagree and this should be investigated by the government as it is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID 11701934 · filed Nov 28, 2025
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have had “safety system restraints service is required “ as a warning four different times. Took my car in to a Tesla Service Center all 4 times & each time the repair only lasts about 6 months & it comes up again. For the 5th time I am going to the Tesla Service Center in Little Rock, AR. This time I will have to pay because my warranty is up. It is not fair & I want some remuneration or a replacement Model X.

NHTSA ID 11739176 · filed May 20, 2026

Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault that Tesla cannot permanently repair despite 4 service attempts over 16 months. ISSUE: Vehicle intermittently displays "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault - Service Required" with persistent warning chimes and airbag warning indicator. Occurs with and without passenger present. Causes significant stress/anxiety and erodes confidence in restraint system reliability during a collision. REPAIR HISTORY (all under warranty): [XXX] (30,638 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Connector grease treatment. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (32,399 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Replaced Restraint Control Module. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (36,106 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Pin retention repair. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (43,204 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Harness tension adjustment. Recurred late Nov 2025. CURRENT STATUS: Fault resurfaced 5th time. Service appointment scheduled ~Dec 14, 2025. Vehicle at ~48,000 miles, approaching 50,000-mile warranty limit. PATTERN: Each repair temporarily resolves issue, but fault consistently returns after 2-4 weeks. Tesla unable to identify root cause despite multiple different repair approaches. ADDITIONAL: Original owner. Also had driver-side restraint wiring repaired Feb 2024 (23,310 mi). Issue may relate to known Tesla restraint system concerns. Requesting NHTSA review whether this pattern warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11703187 · filed Dec 5, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Tesla Model X wipers are not working properly in rain. The max speed is 3 and it is not helping in the rain at all which is a severe safety concern for me and other vehicles on road. The Auto mode on wipers also doesn't detect the rain properly and sensitivity is not adjusted. Please look into this. I believe this is across all the Tesla models. Tesla is pushing over the air updates for wipers but this is not helping at all.

NHTSA ID 11591723 · filed May 31, 2024

I took delivery of a Tesla Model X Plaid in December. The turn signal and horn buttons on the steering wheel vs. stalks is a major safety concern to me. Finding the buttons, espcially in an emergency situation is next to impossible without looking down to find them. Obviously looking down is the last thing any driver should have to do during an emergency. Please pressure Tesla to do something about this critical safety issue.

NHTSA ID 11576369 · filed Mar 9, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Placing the turn signal 'buttons' on the steering wheel makes them impossible to use when the wheel is not centered. While driving parking lots and roads with immediate left/right turns and or intersections it is impossible properly signal while driving this vehicle in it's current condition. By not being able to signal, it increases the likelihood of a collision.

NHTSA ID 11597813 · filed Jun 30, 2024

Interior rear light constantly blinks spontaneously while driving. There is no control to turn this light on or off. I have scheduled repair with Tesla and they have not fixed the issue. When I drive at light I get distracted by the strob light effect effect of this blinking slight. It’s on land off for no reason whether I’m driving or parked with the car powered off and all doors locked.

NHTSA ID 11551125 · filed Oct 20, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I own a 2023 Tesla Model X and I am reporting a steering-related safety concern. When making hard left turns, the steering wheel/front end shakes or shudders and makes a LOUD sounds. This does not feel or sound normal and appears to be related to the steering or front suspension system. The issue happens during low-speed turning/maneuvering when the wheel is turned sharply to the left. I contacted Tesla Service regarding the issue. Tesla advised that this is a known issue and that there is currently no available fix. Despite acknowledging that it is a known issue with no repair available, Tesla still wants to charge me a diagnostic fee. I am concerned because this involves the steering system, and I do not believe a vehicle should have steering shake or shuddering during normal turning, especially on a 2023 vehicle. Since Tesla has stated this is a known issue but has no fix, I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect affecting the 2023 Tesla Model X. The issue has not been repaired because Tesla stated there is no fix available at this time.

NHTSA ID 11747871 · filed Jul 2, 2026

I am reporting a catastrophic suspension failure resulting in complete wheel separation on my 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid shortly after Tesla service. While driving, the front left wheel separated from the hub, rendering the vehicle not drivable and creating an immediate risk of loss of control, collision, and serious injury or death. Tesla towed the vehicle back to its service center and issued written service documentation stating (verbatim): “The front left wheel had separated from the hub. The issue was caused by missing hardware on the upper control arm, leading to further damage.” Tesla did not attribute the failure to impact, road debris, wear, or misuse. The missing hardware was at a critical suspension attachment point. As a result, Tesla replaced multiple major safety-critical components under Goodwill / Internal Service, including the front left active damper/air spring, upper control arm bracket, halfshaft, wheel speed sensor, and multiple structural fasteners. A wheel-off event caused by missing suspension hardware represents a severe safety defect with high risk of catastrophic injury or fatality. This incident raises serious concerns about suspension assembly, post-service quality control, and whether other vehicles may be operating with missing or unsecured hardware. I respectfully request NHTSA review this as a suspension/wheel retention safety defect and evaluate whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ID 11712088 · filed Jan 20, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The second-row seat does not latch properly and cannot lock into position. This is a safety-related issue affecting occupant restraint and crash safety. The vehicle is a 2023 Tesla Model X with 59,035 miles now, when report this issue Tesla, it was only 57,326 mile, still within the 5-year / 60,000-mile Supplemental Restraint System warranty. Tesla has declined warranty coverage and requested customer-paid seat replacement. I am concerned the vehicle may be unsafe to operate due to the seat not latching. Requesting investigation into potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID 11720061 · filed Feb 24, 2026

The front passenger heat seat is automatically turned on whenever car is turned on from phone. This time when driving in the evening there was a burning smell for 1 hour which I thought was from the vents. Then the passenger seat started smoking and the fumes were so bad that I could not breathe. No one was in the passenger seat at that time thank goodness. It created a hole in the seat. Tesla will replace the seat under warranty, but service center is 2 hours away.

NHTSA ID 11643690 · filed Feb 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Again I recently purchased new tire from Tesla in January 2023 In May 23rd 2023 I had another flat tire while driving - This time technician showed me that tire had a tear inside wall - and It must be a defect in material since Tesla does NOT cover tire warranty I had to pay for it again I replaced 3 tires since November 2022 till now in my new Tesla I believe this brand of tire should be recalled and replaced at free of charge

NHTSA ID 11524952 · filed Jun 1, 2023

Purchased new Tesla in November 2022, however noticed bulging in the side wall in Left rear tire. Went to Tesla service center again was told that they do NOT provide warranty tire - again purchased new tire again again I do not feel that I did anything to contribute to the bulging in the tire wall I believe the tire was defective and I am very dissatisfied with this brand of the tire replaced 2 tires in 3 months in ownership

NHTSA ID 11524949 · filed Jun 1, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a catastrophic suspension failure resulting in complete wheel separation on my 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid shortly after Tesla service. While driving, the front left wheel separated from the hub, rendering the vehicle not drivable and creating an immediate risk of loss of control, collision, and serious injury or death. Tesla towed the vehicle back to its service center and issued written service documentation stating (verbatim): “The front left wheel had separated from the hub. The issue was caused by missing hardware on the upper control arm, leading to further damage.” Tesla did not attribute the failure to impact, road debris, wear, or misuse. The missing hardware was at a critical suspension attachment point. As a result, Tesla replaced multiple major safety-critical components under Goodwill / Internal Service, including the front left active damper/air spring, upper control arm bracket, halfshaft, wheel speed sensor, and multiple structural fasteners. A wheel-off event caused by missing suspension hardware represents a severe safety defect with high risk of catastrophic injury or fatality. This incident raises serious concerns about suspension assembly, post-service quality control, and whether other vehicles may be operating with missing or unsecured hardware. I respectfully request NHTSA review this as a suspension/wheel retention safety defect and evaluate whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ID 11712088 · filed Jan 20, 2026

We bought our tesla model x on or about June 6th 2023, on or about march 22nd our right rear tire developed a leak, we took it to les Schwab tires to have it checked our and they discovered it was a cracked wheel, they said it was a defective wheel and that we should take it to tesla to get replaced as they have seen 3 others in the last 2 weeks. We took it to tesla and they said they would not warranty any wheels as they have never warrantied any before. They said it was due to road impact but there is no sign of any impact visible other than the crack. Around that same time our passenger door window button fell inside the door panel so we scheduled an appointment to have it fixed and had been advised it would be covered. My wife took it to them on or about April 19th and one guy said it probably wouldn't be covered then the other service adviser stated that it would be warranty as we have not had the car for even a year but then the service manager refused to fix it and wanted us to pay over $1,000 to fix it. They said it was from abuse that it broke but not sure how you abuse a switch push down on it with your finger to activate switch. Now on Saturday April 27th we have developed another tire loosing air, now the left rear due to another cracked wheel. Now I did more research online and have found numerous people with the same problems and having 3-4 of their factory wheels breaking. This is also on top of the car wearing out the inside edge of the tire while the center and outer part of the tire has lots of life left in it meaning that the alignment is not properly set but tesla says that it is normal because it is a performance vehicle. Not sure that I would consider a 6 passenger sub a performance vehicle

NHTSA ID 11585572 · filed Apr 27, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving the car in stop-and-go traffic on a city street. After another stop, the car in front of me started moving. I pressed on the accelerator with the usual force, but my car took off like crazy. I pressed on the breaks, but the car didn't seem to respond to the brake pedal and ran into a car in front of me. Automatic emergency breaking system didn't engage as well. Luckily, nobody was injured. Had there been any pedestrians crossing the street, they would have been badly injured or killed. This uncontrolled response from the car is very dangerous and I cannot trust it anymore. As a result of this accident, the car in front suffered damage in the amount of a few thousand USD, and my Tesla Model X - $40k.

NHTSA ID 11567841 · filed Jan 25, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .