55 of the 684 complaints about the 2016 Tesla Model X are about the driver-assist systems — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 57,000 miles.
55
Complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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 complaint #11712871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Description of Problem: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COMPLETE FAILURE My 2016 Tesla Model X instrument cluster has completely failed and permanently displays "CAR OFF" regardless of the actual vehicle status, including while actively driving at highway speeds. Critical Information I CANNOT See While Driving: Gear position (P, D, R, N) - I have no visual confirmation of what gear the vehicle is in Vehicle speed/speedometer Warning lights (brake, ABS, tire pressure, etc.) Battery status Any critical safety alerts This is an extremely dangerous condition that prevents me from knowing essential driving information required to operate the vehicle safely. Federal Safety Violations: This defect clearly violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 101 and No. 102. Gear position indicators must be "permanently displayed in view of the driver" Critical safety information must be accessible to a properly seated and belted driver Instrument panels must provide essential vehicle status information Tesla's Pattern of Similar Recalls: Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for similar instrument cluster issues: 2023 Recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V-404): Tesla recalled 2012-2023 Model S and 2016-2024 Model X vehicles for incorrect instrument panel warning light font size, specifically stating that warning lights with smaller fonts "can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash." 2022 Recall (Multiple campaigns): Tesla recalled Model S and Model X vehicles for touchscreen failures affecting backup camera, window defroster/defogger, and instrument cluster displays.
NHTSA complaint #11703781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Description of Problem: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COMPLETE FAILURE My 2016 Tesla Model X instrument cluster has completely failed and permanently displays "CAR OFF" regardless of the actual vehicle status, including while actively driving at highway speeds. Critical Information I CANNOT See While Driving: Gear position (P, D, R, N) - I have no visual confirmation of what gear the vehicle is in Vehicle speed/speedometer Warning lights (brake, ABS, tire pressure, etc.) Battery status Any critical safety alerts This is an extremely dangerous condition that prevents me from knowing essential driving information required to operate the vehicle safely. Federal Safety Violations: This defect clearly violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 101 and No. 102. Gear position indicators must be "permanently displayed in view of the driver" Critical safety information must be accessible to a properly seated and belted driver Instrument panels must provide essential vehicle status information Tesla's Pattern of Similar Recalls: Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for similar instrument cluster issues: 2023 Recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V-404): Tesla recalled 2012-2023 Model S and 2016-2024 Model X vehicles for incorrect instrument panel warning light font size, specifically stating that warning lights with smaller fonts "can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash." 2022 Recall (Multiple campaigns): Tesla recalled Model S and Model X vehicles for touchscreen failures affecting backup camera, window defroster/defogger, and instrument cluster displays.
NHTSA complaint #11703781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The following is copied from: NHTSA ID Number: 11487520 Incident Date [XXX] Consumer Location SAN JOSE, CA On nine separate documented occasions, the passenger front wheel molding trim piece, in which one of the proximity sensors is mounted, completely detached, causing the proximity sensor to alarm continuously. On two of these nine occasions, the trim piece detached while the vehicle was traveling on the road, and on one of these two occasions, the vehicle was traveling on the highway at highway speeds. On this occasion, after detaching completely, the trim piece was observed through the rear view and side mirrors, shattering on the road and scattering debris across the highway, potentially causing a traffic hazard for the cars following. On this last occasion, the vehicle was also traveling with the assistance of the Adaptive Cruse Control and Forward Collision Warning features, which both caused the vehicle's emergency avoidance systems to activate when the proximity sensor was falsely triggered. If there were other vehicles nearby, this could have caused a high speed accident as my vehicle executed both an emergency braking and collision avoidance maneuver for no real reason. Please note that I have documented reports of the possible safety issues due to the wheel well trim detaching to the Tesla service department for several of the times I've had the vehicle in for repair. In all nine instances, I've been told that my vehicle is the only one that exhibits this problem. A statement I find difficult to believe as I have observed other vehicles of the same make and model driving around without the trim pieces, and just recently captured a photograph of a Model X driving on the highway with the trim piece detaching as the wind was catching it. See the red arrow in the photograph attached below. This report adds two additional photographs of the same issue that have been taken since the original report was filed.
NHTSA complaint #11663536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The following is copied from: NHTSA ID Number: 11487520 Incident Date [XXX] Consumer Location SAN JOSE, CA On nine separate documented occasions, the passenger front wheel molding trim piece, in which one of the proximity sensors is mounted, completely detached, causing the proximity sensor to alarm continuously. On two of these nine occasions, the trim piece detached while the vehicle was traveling on the road, and on one of these two occasions, the vehicle was traveling on the highway at highway speeds. On this occasion, after detaching completely, the trim piece was observed through the rear view and side mirrors, shattering on the road and scattering debris across the highway, potentially causing a traffic hazard for the cars following. On this last occasion, the vehicle was also traveling with the assistance of the Adaptive Cruse Control and Forward Collision Warning features, which both caused the vehicle's emergency avoidance systems to activate when the proximity sensor was falsely triggered. If there were other vehicles nearby, this could have caused a high speed accident as my vehicle executed both an emergency braking and collision avoidance maneuver for no real reason. Please note that I have documented reports of the possible safety issues due to the wheel well trim detaching to the Tesla service department for several of the times I've had the vehicle in for repair. In all nine instances, I've been told that my vehicle is the only one that exhibits this problem. A statement I find difficult to believe as I have observed other vehicles of the same make and model driving around without the trim pieces, and just recently captured a photograph of a Model X driving on the highway with the trim piece detaching as the wind was catching it. See the red arrow in the photograph attached below. This report adds two additional photographs of the same issue that have been taken since the original report was filed.
NHTSA complaint #11663536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Hi, several alerts have popped up, Regenerative braking unavailable, Park Assist unavailable, Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable, Traction control disabled, Stability control disabled, ABS (anti-lock braking system) disabled. The odd thing is that the alerts come and go as they please. I can't figure out what it is. Could be software related. Possibly a software update has messed it up?
NHTSA complaint #11663286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Hi, several alerts have popped up, Regenerative braking unavailable, Park Assist unavailable, Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable, Traction control disabled, Stability control disabled, ABS (anti-lock braking system) disabled. The odd thing is that the alerts come and go as they please. I can't figure out what it is. Could be software related. Possibly a software update has messed it up?
NHTSA complaint #11663286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Was stopped at a red light behind the car in front of me. I was stopped at a appropriate distance from the car in front of me. I had my right foot on the brake pedal, when the car accelerated on its own. It launched its self into the car ahead of me. I looked down and my foot was still on the brake pedal. None of the air bags inside the car deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11658937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Hi, My steering wheel turning very hard even though NHTSA issued the the recall last month but your website says your vehicle is not on recall. Also my rear camara is working still Tesla said needs to be replace again even though Tesla replace in 2023 which is I paid. My autonomy is not working even though I paid $8000 plus $500 tax when I purchase my model X in 2016 for full self driving/ Tesla doesn't want to honor this to us. Hopefully NHTSA put my vehicle in recall list. Thanks for you help. Best regards
NHTSA complaint #11648176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Rear camera lags to appear when the car is put in Reverse. At times when switching to Drive the rear camera image stays on the screen. Sometimes it works as inteneded and sometimes it doesn't. The computer has its moments.
NHTSA complaint #11647280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Just got [XXX] yesterday morning. I have ~350 miles on this version now in ~24 hrs. FIRST TIME I've ever completely turned off FSD and went back to Autopilot Only. This release is Absolutely 100% DANGEROUS and needs to be pulled and rolled back ASAP Observations: 1: Does not Honor Turn Only lanes and drives straight through them. 2: CONSTANT lane switching no matter what setting it's on. 3: Lane changes without using turn signal. Example, in right lane, it FULLY changes lane to left lane using turn signal, then decides to just go right back to the right lane again without using turn signal cutting off other vehicles. 4: Speed issues, It can't decide on speeds. 45mph road. I do like 5mph over. With no other cars around, it will speed up to 55-60 (Above max setting) then drop down to 40-43mph. It's all over the [XXX] place! Even worse on Freeway. So it actively exceeds speed limits, as much as enough to get my license automatically revoked under Wisconsin Law! 5: Redesigned where set speed limit is displayed. No longer shows unless you actively change it. Then it disappears again. Need to constantly fiddle with set speed just to see how crazy it will decide to break the law, or how slow it will go and [XXX] other drivers. 6: Rolling stops, had a number of rolling stops today and one where it blew straight through a stop sign. 7: Route choices are absolutely alinidine. Seems to prioritize taking the least efficient routes. 8: Drives like a bucking bronco with accel and decell. 9: Ping pongs within the lane. 10: False emergency braking events. 11: Last release the double stop at stop signs had gotten better. This release they are full back again. It is once again stopping at both sides of the intersection. 12: Vehicle departing lane warnings when driving manually, even when my TURN SIGNAL IS ON so I can pull into a parking lot or my own driveway! With the above, there have been no other changes other than firmware update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA complaint #11644163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Just got [XXX] yesterday morning. I have ~350 miles on this version now in ~24 hrs. FIRST TIME I've ever completely turned off FSD and went back to Autopilot Only. This release is Absolutely 100% DANGEROUS and needs to be pulled and rolled back ASAP Observations: 1: Does not Honor Turn Only lanes and drives straight through them. 2: CONSTANT lane switching no matter what setting it's on. 3: Lane changes without using turn signal. Example, in right lane, it FULLY changes lane to left lane using turn signal, then decides to just go right back to the right lane again without using turn signal cutting off other vehicles. 4: Speed issues, It can't decide on speeds. 45mph road. I do like 5mph over. With no other cars around, it will speed up to 55-60 (Above max setting) then drop down to 40-43mph. It's all over the [XXX] place! Even worse on Freeway. So it actively exceeds speed limits, as much as enough to get my license automatically revoked under Wisconsin Law! 5: Redesigned where set speed limit is displayed. No longer shows unless you actively change it. Then it disappears again. Need to constantly fiddle with set speed just to see how crazy it will decide to break the law, or how slow it will go and [XXX] other drivers. 6: Rolling stops, had a number of rolling stops today and one where it blew straight through a stop sign. 7: Route choices are absolutely alinidine. Seems to prioritize taking the least efficient routes. 8: Drives like a bucking bronco with accel and decell. 9: Ping pongs within the lane. 10: False emergency braking events. 11: Last release the double stop at stop signs had gotten better. This release they are full back again. It is once again stopping at both sides of the intersection. 12: Vehicle departing lane warnings when driving manually, even when my TURN SIGNAL IS ON so I can pull into a parking lot or my own driveway! With the above, there have been no other changes other than firmware update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA complaint #11644163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Just got [XXX] yesterday morning. I have ~350 miles on this version now in ~24 hrs. FIRST TIME I've ever completely turned off FSD and went back to Autopilot Only. This release is Absolutely 100% DANGEROUS and needs to be pulled and rolled back ASAP Observations: 1: Does not Honor Turn Only lanes and drives straight through them. 2: CONSTANT lane switching no matter what setting it's on. 3: Lane changes without using turn signal. Example, in right lane, it FULLY changes lane to left lane using turn signal, then decides to just go right back to the right lane again without using turn signal cutting off other vehicles. 4: Speed issues, It can't decide on speeds. 45mph road. I do like 5mph over. With no other cars around, it will speed up to 55-60 (Above max setting) then drop down to 40-43mph. It's all over the [XXX] place! Even worse on Freeway. So it actively exceeds speed limits, as much as enough to get my license automatically revoked under Wisconsin Law! 5: Redesigned where set speed limit is displayed. No longer shows unless you actively change it. Then it disappears again. Need to constantly fiddle with set speed just to see how crazy it will decide to break the law, or how slow it will go and [XXX] other drivers. 6: Rolling stops, had a number of rolling stops today and one where it blew straight through a stop sign. 7: Route choices are absolutely alinidine. Seems to prioritize taking the least efficient routes. 8: Drives like a bucking bronco with accel and decell. 9: Ping pongs within the lane. 10: False emergency braking events. 11: Last release the double stop at stop signs had gotten better. This release they are full back again. It is once again stopping at both sides of the intersection. 12: Vehicle departing lane warnings when driving manually, even when my TURN SIGNAL IS ON so I can pull into a parking lot or my own driveway! With the above, there have been no other changes other than firmware update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA complaint #11644163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
When shifting into Reverse the rear camera is delayed to be displayed. This to me is a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11640970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Tesla error 'Park Assist not avialable' - error code, and Tesla service wants service fee to check error
NHTSA complaint #11580688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Tesla error 'Park Assist not avialable' - error code, and Tesla service wants service fee to check error
NHTSA complaint #11580688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Tesla error 'Park Assist not avialable' - error code, and Tesla service wants service fee to check error
NHTSA complaint #11580688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Car tends to brake in autopilot without having any car in front causing jolt feeling and dangerous scenario for vehicles behind. Suspension work like upper control, half shafts, ball joints, toe and struts been replaced 5 times. One time entire wheel came off.
NHTSA complaint #11579425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I've reached out to Tesla Service Department on multiple occasions regarding the Auto Pilot Software update and they have failed to provide an update as of today February 19th, 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11572732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I've reached out to Tesla Service Department on multiple occasions regarding the Auto Pilot Software update and they have failed to provide an update as of today February 19th, 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11572732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I've reached out to Tesla Service Department on multiple occasions regarding the Auto Pilot Software update and they have failed to provide an update as of today February 19th, 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11572732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla issues encountered with model X 2016: 1). Bought a demo car with a new car warranty, the car is supposed to be checked and verified that it meets safety guidelines, and certain standards, a).the car had a yellowish tinge had to get it buffed and detailed to look true pearl white cost $400 b). my tires were so bad the tire shop told me they are unsafe to drive so had to get them replaced the morning after I bought the car from tesla-ohio branch and got back to chicago I informed Tesla about all nothing was done cost approximately $2000 c).After I purchased the car before I could drive to ohio to pick it up tesla employee backed up the car into a pole I was told it will be fixed it was not cost $4k d). Wheels were all scratched up had to get them refinished cost approximately $900 2). Warrant is not honored always. Over the years camera and sensor very unsafe and every time Tesla says can’t reproduce Even after providing proof of videos, one point finally got tired paid out of pocket to replace front 2 sensors they never bothered to take it apart and verify it’s working safely and properly, after paying out of pocket at least the lane change worked 98% of time cost around $500-600 3).Auto pilot is misleadingly unsafe, cameras and sensors have either reached end of life or simply not working but definitely unsafe because sometimes the car drives like a drunk person on streets, confused if lanes merging I had incidents where it would have caused an accident had I not taken over and there was no warning 4). Advertised Range is deceptive and misleading, claim is my car to get 255 miles in reality I get around 120-130 which is more like half the range makes it hard to go out of town, an 8 hr trip becomes a 13-15 hr trip.
NHTSA complaint #11562218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Tesla issues encountered with model X 2016: 1). Bought a demo car with a new car warranty, the car is supposed to be checked and verified that it meets safety guidelines, and certain standards, a).the car had a yellowish tinge had to get it buffed and detailed to look true pearl white cost $400 b). my tires were so bad the tire shop told me they are unsafe to drive so had to get them replaced the morning after I bought the car from tesla-ohio branch and got back to chicago I informed Tesla about all nothing was done cost approximately $2000 c).After I purchased the car before I could drive to ohio to pick it up tesla employee backed up the car into a pole I was told it will be fixed it was not cost $4k d). Wheels were all scratched up had to get them refinished cost approximately $900 2). Warrant is not honored always. Over the years camera and sensor very unsafe and every time Tesla says can’t reproduce Even after providing proof of videos, one point finally got tired paid out of pocket to replace front 2 sensors they never bothered to take it apart and verify it’s working safely and properly, after paying out of pocket at least the lane change worked 98% of time cost around $500-600 3).Auto pilot is misleadingly unsafe, cameras and sensors have either reached end of life or simply not working but definitely unsafe because sometimes the car drives like a drunk person on streets, confused if lanes merging I had incidents where it would have caused an accident had I not taken over and there was no warning 4). Advertised Range is deceptive and misleading, claim is my car to get 255 miles in reality I get around 120-130 which is more like half the range makes it hard to go out of town, an 8 hr trip becomes a 13-15 hr trip.
NHTSA complaint #11562218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Tesla issues encountered with model X 2016: 1). Bought a demo car with a new car warranty, the car is supposed to be checked and verified that it meets safety guidelines, and certain standards, a).the car had a yellowish tinge had to get it buffed and detailed to look true pearl white cost $400 b). my tires were so bad the tire shop told me they are unsafe to drive so had to get them replaced the morning after I bought the car from tesla-ohio branch and got back to chicago I informed Tesla about all nothing was done cost approximately $2000 c).After I purchased the car before I could drive to ohio to pick it up tesla employee backed up the car into a pole I was told it will be fixed it was not cost $4k d). Wheels were all scratched up had to get them refinished cost approximately $900 2). Warrant is not honored always. Over the years camera and sensor very unsafe and every time Tesla says can’t reproduce Even after providing proof of videos, one point finally got tired paid out of pocket to replace front 2 sensors they never bothered to take it apart and verify it’s working safely and properly, after paying out of pocket at least the lane change worked 98% of time cost around $500-600 3).Auto pilot is misleadingly unsafe, cameras and sensors have either reached end of life or simply not working but definitely unsafe because sometimes the car drives like a drunk person on streets, confused if lanes merging I had incidents where it would have caused an accident had I not taken over and there was no warning 4). Advertised Range is deceptive and misleading, claim is my car to get 255 miles in reality I get around 120-130 which is more like half the range makes it hard to go out of town, an 8 hr trip becomes a 13-15 hr trip.
NHTSA complaint #11562218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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 complaint #11562222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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 complaint #11562222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Car sensors don’t seem to work hits other cars and doors close hard on a human before stopping very unsafe for a child
NHTSA complaint #11562224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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 complaint #11560515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
the autopilot was engaged and the system failed, it james the breaks hard and it started scraping the body above the tire
NHTSA complaint #11537068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
the autopilot was engaged and the system failed, it james the breaks hard and it started scraping the body above the tire
NHTSA complaint #11537068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.