54 of the
305 complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model X are about the
driver-assist systems — 18% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
38,500 miles.
F
54
Complaints
12
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Adaptive Cruise Control
2037.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
1731.5%
Warnings
1018.5%
Assist
59.3%
Warning
23.7%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Tesla Model X year
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My vehicle intermittently and without warning disables Autopilot/cruise control while driving, most consistently during hard acceleration from a stop or low speed. The touchscreen displays "Take Over Immediately" and Autopilot becomes completely unavailable for the remainder of the drive. The system only resets after the vehicle is parked and allowed to sit. This has occurred repeatedly over multiple weeks, documented via the vehicle's own Service Mode diagnostic logs, showing the following recurring fault codes occurring together, dozens of times between approximatelyXXX and XXX: PM_w041_dasMIA – "Pedal Monitor Warning: DAS CAN node is missing" DI_w124_cruiseFault – "Drive Inverter Fault: Cruise faulted," user-facing message "Cruise control disabled" I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center. Technicians stated they could not identify a specific cause, but acknowledged they were aware of similar cases from other owners of this vehicle model reported on Tesla's internal systems. No repair or resolution was offered. This vehicle is equipped with an HW3 (FSD Computer 3) Autopilot computer and Full Self-Driving Capability (purchased package). Tesla CEO [XXX] publicly confirmed on the company's Q1 2026 earnings call (XXX) that HW3 computers do not have sufficient capability for current and future Full Self-Driving software, and announced a remediation plan for affected owners. I have not been offered any remedy. I am concerned this represents a safety-relevant defect: the sudden, unpredictable loss of Autopilot/cruise control during active acceleration, particularly on-ramps or intersections, could create a hazardous situation for the driver and surrounding traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My vehicle intermittently and without warning disables Autopilot/cruise control while driving, most consistently during hard acceleration from a stop or low speed. The touchscreen displays "Take Over Immediately" and Autopilot becomes completely unavailable for the remainder of the drive. The system only resets after the vehicle is parked and allowed to sit. This has occurred repeatedly over multiple weeks, documented via the vehicle's own Service Mode diagnostic logs, showing the following recurring fault codes occurring together, dozens of times between approximatelyXXX and XXX: PM_w041_dasMIA – "Pedal Monitor Warning: DAS CAN node is missing" DI_w124_cruiseFault – "Drive Inverter Fault: Cruise faulted," user-facing message "Cruise control disabled" I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center. Technicians stated they could not identify a specific cause, but acknowledged they were aware of similar cases from other owners of this vehicle model reported on Tesla's internal systems. No repair or resolution was offered. This vehicle is equipped with an HW3 (FSD Computer 3) Autopilot computer and Full Self-Driving Capability (purchased package). Tesla CEO [XXX] publicly confirmed on the company's Q1 2026 earnings call (XXX) that HW3 computers do not have sufficient capability for current and future Full Self-Driving software, and announced a remediation plan for affected owners. I have not been offered any remedy. I am concerned this represents a safety-relevant defect: the sudden, unpredictable loss of Autopilot/cruise control during active acceleration, particularly on-ramps or intersections, could create a hazardous situation for the driver and surrounding traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tumwater, WACrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving on FSD (Full Self Driving) the vehicle was turning off the road into a parking lot and sped up and hit a vehicle while I was pressing the brake to the floor! I had to brace for impact when I hit the vehicle. I have requested the data and telemetry logs from Tesla. Everything was fine before the crash. Husband had a similar incident a few weeks ago where he was turning with FSD engaged and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the turn with a vehicle coming right at him, he had the gas floored to get out of the way but was completely stopped, could not move for 15 seconds or so.
NHTSA complaint #11754460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on FSD (Full Self Driving) the vehicle was turning off the road into a parking lot and sped up and hit a vehicle while I was pressing the brake to the floor! I had to brace for impact when I hit the vehicle. I have requested the data and telemetry logs from Tesla. Everything was fine before the crash. Husband had a similar incident a few weeks ago where he was turning with FSD engaged and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the turn with a vehicle coming right at him, he had the gas floored to get out of the way but was completely stopped, could not move for 15 seconds or so.
NHTSA complaint #11754460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Altos, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Tesla X in full self driving mode failed to lower speed and detect stopped in-lane vehicle on a very sharp turn, crashing into the back of the vehicle at significant speed.
NHTSA complaint #11670550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Altos, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla X in full self driving mode failed to lower speed and detect stopped in-lane vehicle on a very sharp turn, crashing into the back of the vehicle at significant speed.
NHTSA complaint #11670550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apex, NC
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I was driving down the road and my car started shaking, I was about 5 or 6 miles from an exit so continued and within 1 mile a rod broke and fell on top of my tire causing me to catastrophically have to stop n swerve off the road in 5 o'clock traffic. I just purchased this car 3 months ago, no issues just happend all of sudden. There are reports of weak suspension parts for tesla specifically the model x and y. The suspension parts need to be recalled. I was VERY lucky to not have collided with another car and potentially causing a fatality.
NHTSA complaint #11670369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westford, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Our Tesla Model X is failing recently with several issues as listed below: 1. 'Autiopilot disabled' - Autopilot was not available to use since 09/2024 after upgraded to 12.x FSD upgrade. Tesla service diagnosed in 11/2024 with some error connected to evaporator fan, advised me to replace the kit at an estimated $580 2. 'Unable to start' - HV battery failed on 03/06/2025 with series of failures that was reported to NHTSA (VOQ#11651899). Tesla replaced the battery, and service delivered vehicle on 03/24/2025 3. 'Hood unlatch' failure - while driving home from Service center on the same day at 70 mph on I-95 freeway, the 'hood' popped up blocking the front view, and had to pull vehicle to shoulder to safety. There was NO warning message on the screen at all. Took the vehicle to service immediately, and service team pointed that they forgot to turn on 'auto-latch' resulting hood failure. They offered the 'free' repair of hood. 4. 'ECU Autopilot failure' - while taking the delivery of 'hood' fix on 04/22/2025, I noticed the 'autopilot' was still NOT working. Serviced diagnosed with 'failed autopilot ECU' at an estimated cost of $1791.55. Currenlty the vehicle is with Tesla Service team. My vehicle is with service team since 03/06/2025, and has been identified with series of issues/failures. It has caused severe safety failure putting our lives at risk with 'unlatched' hood while driving on a freeway. Also with HV battery failure its completely unreliable on when it might fail during driving. Now with failed autopilot ECU, we are unsure of the vehicles ability to navigate, drive function and safety concerns. Service team is unable to provide precise root causes or fixes, or restore it to a functioning vehicle. Every visit with service team there is a new issue with vehicle. Our family is greatly concern with the quality of the vehicle, persisting issues, safety concerns and overall reliability of the vehicle. Please find enclosed all service records.
NHTSA complaint #11659042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westford, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Our Tesla Model X is failing recently with several issues as listed below: 1. 'Autiopilot disabled' - Autopilot was not available to use since 09/2024 after upgraded to 12.x FSD upgrade. Tesla service diagnosed in 11/2024 with some error connected to evaporator fan, advised me to replace the kit at an estimated $580 2. 'Unable to start' - HV battery failed on 03/06/2025 with series of failures that was reported to NHTSA (VOQ#11651899). Tesla replaced the battery, and service delivered vehicle on 03/24/2025 3. 'Hood unlatch' failure - while driving home from Service center on the same day at 70 mph on I-95 freeway, the 'hood' popped up blocking the front view, and had to pull vehicle to shoulder to safety. There was NO warning message on the screen at all. Took the vehicle to service immediately, and service team pointed that they forgot to turn on 'auto-latch' resulting hood failure. They offered the 'free' repair of hood. 4. 'ECU Autopilot failure' - while taking the delivery of 'hood' fix on 04/22/2025, I noticed the 'autopilot' was still NOT working. Serviced diagnosed with 'failed autopilot ECU' at an estimated cost of $1791.55. Currenlty the vehicle is with Tesla Service team. My vehicle is with service team since 03/06/2025, and has been identified with series of issues/failures. It has caused severe safety failure putting our lives at risk with 'unlatched' hood while driving on a freeway. Also with HV battery failure its completely unreliable on when it might fail during driving. Now with failed autopilot ECU, we are unsure of the vehicles ability to navigate, drive function and safety concerns. Service team is unable to provide precise root causes or fixes, or restore it to a functioning vehicle. Every visit with service team there is a new issue with vehicle. Our family is greatly concern with the quality of the vehicle, persisting issues, safety concerns and overall reliability of the vehicle. Please find enclosed all service records.
NHTSA complaint #11659042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westford, MA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Our Tesla Model X is failing recently with several issues as listed below: 1. 'Autiopilot disabled' - Autopilot was not available to use since 09/2024 after upgraded to 12.x FSD upgrade. Tesla service diagnosed in 11/2024 with some error connected to evaporator fan, advised me to replace the kit at an estimated $580 2. 'Unable to start' - HV battery failed on 03/06/2025 with series of failures that was reported to NHTSA (VOQ#11651899). Tesla replaced the battery, and service delivered vehicle on 03/24/2025 3. 'Hood unlatch' failure - while driving home from Service center on the same day at 70 mph on I-95 freeway, the 'hood' popped up blocking the front view, and had to pull vehicle to shoulder to safety. There was NO warning message on the screen at all. Took the vehicle to service immediately, and service team pointed that they forgot to turn on 'auto-latch' resulting hood failure. They offered the 'free' repair of hood. 4. 'ECU Autopilot failure' - while taking the delivery of 'hood' fix on 04/22/2025, I noticed the 'autopilot' was still NOT working. Serviced diagnosed with 'failed autopilot ECU' at an estimated cost of $1791.55. Currenlty the vehicle is with Tesla Service team. My vehicle is with service team since 03/06/2025, and has been identified with series of issues/failures. It has caused severe safety failure putting our lives at risk with 'unlatched' hood while driving on a freeway. Also with HV battery failure its completely unreliable on when it might fail during driving. Now with failed autopilot ECU, we are unsure of the vehicles ability to navigate, drive function and safety concerns. Service team is unable to provide precise root causes or fixes, or restore it to a functioning vehicle. Every visit with service team there is a new issue with vehicle. Our family is greatly concern with the quality of the vehicle, persisting issues, safety concerns and overall reliability of the vehicle. Please find enclosed all service records.
NHTSA complaint #11659042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Based on thousands of posts, replies, etc, this seems to be a well known issue with this model/year Tesla as well as other years/models. It seems that the Wheel Sensor Cable is not fastened properly, and over time, the cable runs against the tire, causing the internal wires to be exposed, this in turn causes numerous faults to occur, which includes causing ABS, lane departure avoidance, traction control, stability control, ABS, and regenerative braking to stop working. This happens while driving resulting in an immediate change in how the vehicle functions which could easily lead to a major accident While there are numerous forums where this issue is noted, below is one that details the issue with photos [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11650036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Based on thousands of posts, replies, etc, this seems to be a well known issue with this model/year Tesla as well as other years/models. It seems that the Wheel Sensor Cable is not fastened properly, and over time, the cable runs against the tire, causing the internal wires to be exposed, this in turn causes numerous faults to occur, which includes causing ABS, lane departure avoidance, traction control, stability control, ABS, and regenerative braking to stop working. This happens while driving resulting in an immediate change in how the vehicle functions which could easily lead to a major accident While there are numerous forums where this issue is noted, below is one that details the issue with photos [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11650036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Beach Garden, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
‘safety restraint system issue’ error pops up when ever car is turned on was told that can cause airbag to not be deployed when needed.
NHTSA complaint #11638080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ramon, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving on highway with autopilot on . I received the message "Steering Assist reduced .Vehicle will require additional force to steer". I believe I hit a rough patch on the highway and my steering lost power and became very hard to steer the vehicle. Somehow I managed to drive for 20 miles to safety. When I recached home I did power reset few times and the issue went away. I noticed similar issues with model x but not for year 2018 Model x. I have opened a service request with Tesla .Tesla send me an invoice of $5500 for repair.
NHTSA complaint #11622588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on [XXX] from Carson City to Reno in Washoe Valley while on autopilot, the car suddenly alerted with very loud alarms, showed 1. steering assist reduced, 2. Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable 3. Traction Control disabled 4. Stability control disabled 5. Park Assist unavailable. I pulled over to a safe parking area. Then the car locked out for 75 mins, in Neutral gear, can't shut off, can't park, can't reset the car at all even after talking to Tesla support. While waiting for the tow truck, I turned it into Tow mode, was able to change into Park mode finally, and hard reset the car. I took it in and Tesla told me the steering system was the problem and I was out of warranty so I had to pay A LOT OF money to repair/replace it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was in cruise control and had a phantom braking event. The vehicle was going at 70 mph and suddenly braked even though there was significant distance between the car in front and nothing on the road. The sun was glaring on the road and possibly the car detected the shadow on the road as an object and braked because of it.
NHTSA complaint #11574320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Tesla recall under NHTSA Recall No: 23V-838 has not been completed by Tesla. The upgraded computer I purchased from Tesla and had installed in December 2021 cannot accept the OTA update. Tesla is requesting that I replace the computer again for 2 thousand dollars for the recall OTA. Telsa said my current computer has an internal bug and needs to be replaced. I should not have to spend 2K for another computer that barely lasted 2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11573662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Stroudsburg, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Tesla recall under NHTSA Recall No: 23V-838 has not been completed by Tesla. The upgraded computer I purchased from Tesla and had installed in December 2021 cannot accept the OTA update. Tesla is requesting that I replace the computer again for 2 thousand dollars for the recall OTA. Telsa said my current computer has an internal bug and needs to be replaced. I should not have to spend 2K for another computer that barely lasted 2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11573662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Auto pilot
NHTSA complaint #11571991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, ORCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Full Self Driving System failed to operate correctly. This caused my car to hit another car. I have asked Tesla for the data they use to tell what the driver was doing when the system was on but the Tesla staff who respond to my requests plead ignorance of what data I am referring to. I am not ready to spend the money it would cost to hire a lawyer to force Tesla to hand over the data from their system. I have video from the Tesla camera showing what happens. I will try to upload it. Here is a quick run through of what happened: I entered the freeway and got into the left lane. Once I was safely in the left lane and up to speed I turned on the FSD keeping my hands on the steering wheel. After a few moments the car veered to the right, I tugged against the pull of the FSD and got it back in the lane when all of a sudden it turned my wheel hard right into a minivan. It happened so fast that the wheel turned even with my hands on it. I have been trying to talk to someone at Tesla but it is difficult to break through the front lines as they deflect contacts away from anyone who might be able to answer my questions about getting the FSD incident data. The video is .mp4 so it is not allowing me to upload. Please let me know how to send you the video.
NHTSA complaint #11554607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, ORCrash
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The Full Self Driving System failed to operate correctly. This caused my car to hit another car. I have asked Tesla for the data they use to tell what the driver was doing when the system was on but the Tesla staff who respond to my requests plead ignorance of what data I am referring to. I am not ready to spend the money it would cost to hire a lawyer to force Tesla to hand over the data from their system. I have video from the Tesla camera showing what happens. I will try to upload it. Here is a quick run through of what happened: I entered the freeway and got into the left lane. Once I was safely in the left lane and up to speed I turned on the FSD keeping my hands on the steering wheel. After a few moments the car veered to the right, I tugged against the pull of the FSD and got it back in the lane when all of a sudden it turned my wheel hard right into a minivan. It happened so fast that the wheel turned even with my hands on it. I have been trying to talk to someone at Tesla but it is difficult to break through the front lines as they deflect contacts away from anyone who might be able to answer my questions about getting the FSD incident data. The video is .mp4 so it is not allowing me to upload. Please let me know how to send you the video.
NHTSA complaint #11554607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Plains, OR
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On Oct. 26 at approximately 5:45 p.m. on HWY 26 near Sandy, OR the autopilot system failed by abruptly turning the car into the upcoming turn lain (marked with solid white line) and towards oncoming traffic. I had to immediately take significant corrective action to move the car back into the lane I was traveling. I firmly believe that the car could have cross into the lane going the opposite direction. I definitely was very unsettled by this event. This type of spontaneous autopilot error has occurred numerous times in the past to me (have driven a Model X Tesla since 2016) and I now very seldom use the feature while driving. I have taking no further action regarding this event or others because while under warranty Tesla always come up with rationale that they couldn't find a problem because of loss of connectivity, could not detect a problem, etc. I thought that through the years with their hype and over-the-air updates things would get better but they have not! Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11552254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Suddenly getting harder to turn the steering wheel to either direction. The problem happens randomly and also looses the power steering, needing to forcibly bring the steering back and making the driving difficult. When this happens many alerts pop on the dash including traction alert, break alert, and line alert.
NHTSA complaint #11546498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suddenly getting harder to turn the steering wheel to either direction. The problem happens randomly and also looses the power steering, needing to forcibly bring the steering back and making the driving difficult. When this happens many alerts pop on the dash including traction alert, break alert, and line alert.
NHTSA complaint #11546498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving on the highway on Tesla enhanced auto pilot when traffic came to a stop I’d notice my Tesla model X was not about to stop nor slow down for the stopped traffic so at the last minute I had to slam on my brakes and swerved to the right lane where I was hit by a truck pulling a trailer which subsequently rammed me into the truck I was trying to avoid rear ending after Teslas forward collision warning failed to notify me or stop the car from crashing in the first place
NHTSA complaint #11534683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway on Tesla enhanced auto pilot when traffic came to a stop I’d notice my Tesla model X was not about to stop nor slow down for the stopped traffic so at the last minute I had to slam on my brakes and swerved to the right lane where I was hit by a truck pulling a trailer which subsequently rammed me into the truck I was trying to avoid rear ending after Teslas forward collision warning failed to notify me or stop the car from crashing in the first place
NHTSA complaint #11534683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was driving on the highway on Tesla enhanced auto pilot when traffic came to a stop I’d notice my Tesla model X was not about to stop nor slow down for the stopped traffic so at the last minute I had to slam on my brakes and swerved to the right lane where I was hit by a truck pulling a trailer which subsequently rammed me into the truck I was trying to avoid rear ending after Teslas forward collision warning failed to notify me or stop the car from crashing in the first place
NHTSA complaint #11534683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Estes Park, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On a recent 2000 mile trip, we experienced several (10-20) incidents of unnecessary, very strong braking. There were no apparent reasons for the very strong braking episodes. In some instances, there were no cars in front of us and no cars behind us for many miles (I-40, New Mexico). Braking was so severe that it likely would have caused a collision if cars had been closely following us. We have traveled this route several times in past years with no similar emergency braking incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11514962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Starting especially so on this date, and on occasion before this time, The vehicle would abruptly brake very aggressively when I was passing a semi truck with his emergency lights on or when perhaps passing a shadow or for no reason at all. I would have to slam on the gas to avoid a collision or being rear ended.
NHTSA complaint #11501094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
After I started an update as requested on Tesla app, the car was giving error messages. I was able to drive but the errors were - 1. reduced steering assist 2. Autopilot and cruise control not available
NHTSA complaint #11493620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.