100 of the 2,399 complaints filed about the Tesla Model X are about the braking system — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.
100
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
I was in the car. I had put on my seat belt and reached back to plug in my phone to charge. Before I turned back the phone accelerated forward and crashed into two cars in the parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11755585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On XXX at approximately 465 miles, multiple critical safety systems simultaneously failed on my 2024 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX]). Dashboard warnings indicated that ABS, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking were all simultaneously disabled. The vehicle was taken to Tesla Service immediately. Tesla diagnosed the issue as a faulty wheel speed sensor and performed a replacement (RO# XXX). This simultaneous disabling of five critical safety systems on a vehicle with only 465 miles is a serious safety defect. Additionally, on XXX at approximately 21,180 miles, a passenger airbag warning light illuminated requiring service. This was resolved and addressed by slight moisture on son's shorts triggering the alert but unsure why this would cause such sensitivity. The vehicle has required 12 service visits since delivery in November 2024 for various recurring safety and mechanical issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side of the road. I then discovered that I could not use the parking brake or turn on the flashers. There is no manual parking brake, and the car thought it was still driving. I was facing downhill and the only way to keep the car from rolling was to keep my foot on the brake. I had to call 911 and could only safely exit the vehicle, after they had ensured it would not roll. Again, I could not exit the vehicle, or even put on flashers to warn traffic. Tesla attempted to have me reboot the operating system but this also failed -- apparently there is no manual reboot or brake avalible.
NHTSA complaint #11751426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The Automated Emergency Brakes did not activate. This car hit the next car on the street. I was driving when I noticed the brake lights on the car in front of me, so I applied the brakes. Though it did not work, as this car is equipped with the Automated Emergency Brakes feature, it was expected that the car would activate the feature to stop to avoid impact and an accident. Which did not happen, and this car has a tremendous loss; the car in front also suffered a loss. The car manufacturer has given data in Excel files showing the events; it has no data at the time of the impact, but it has data well before and well after. Due to the failure of this important feature, the car has suffered a loss (potentially a total loss), the insurance process has been affected, and there has been a mental impact on my family members and me. Hence, requesting help in this regard.
NHTSA complaint #11739759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
In April 13th, 2026 while driving from the house through community, I suddenly stopped at the cross roads due to unexpected conditions. During this event, a coffee mug placed in the cup holder tipped over and spilled liquid onto the center console area—near the phone charging pad and critical control panel used for gear selection and essential driving functions. In about 15 minutes after the spill, when I reached the highway at about 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a rapid and severe system-wide failure. The dashboard displayed multiple warnings and errors, including: * “Steering assist reduced – Steering may require increased effort” * “Center console buttons to select gears unavailable – Use touchscreen to select gears – Schedule service” * Repeated alerts indicating braking and system limitations * Conflicting and inaccurate readings, including the speedometer displaying “0 mph” while the vehicle was still moving at highway speed At the same time: * Braking response was severely compromised despite full pedal application * Hazard lights and turn signals were non-functional * Gear selection controls became unavailable or unreliable * Driver assistance and safety systems were disabled * The system issued instructions to “press and hold brake” while braking performance was inconsistent This resulted in a complete loss of situational awareness and control while I was in the car with my older parents and my child. l. I was unable to signal to surrounding vehicles while attempting to maneuver into a narrow emergency lane at highway speed. My family and I had fear for our lives. Critically, the vehicle instructed to exit immediately while we were still in a dangerous roadside position without functioning hazard lights. We were exposed to active highway traffic without any ability to alert others. was eventually able to maneuver the vehicle into the emergency lane under extremely dangerous conditions. The vehicle was towed, and the issue was reported immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11734065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
During a recent incident where a tire issue caused damage to the wiring harness for the parking brake, resulting in a Parking Brake Failure notification on the screen, the vehicle would not stop or turn off. The vehicle displayed N for neutral on the dash, but the vehicle would drive forward unless the brake was depressed. In addition, we were unable to place the vehicle in Park, which meant that we were unable to shut it off. The only way to stop the vehicle from driving on its own and crashing into something was to place concrete blocks under the tires! Unplugging the 12v battery also had no effect! The vehicle kept driving as if it was in drive, and there as no way to stop it without placing the foot on the brake pedal the entire time or placing the blocks I referenced. The only way I was able to shut it off, was to pull what's known as the Fireman's Loop, which I'm guessing firemen pull in the case of an accident. I wasn't aware of this mechanism, and only learned of it after posting on numerous social media apps regarding this issue. This is a Major issue, as we are talking about a moving and unstoppable car! Tesla needs to build some mechanism that allows the car to be shut off by the driver or to override the screen and place the car in park. Pulling this firemans loop and unplugging the 12v battery, required me being in front of the vehicle, risking my life, as the vehicle could've easily moved if the concrete barriers didn't stop it, and also required me taking 30+ minutes to remove components from the Frunk, just to access these components!!
NHTSA complaint #11715473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally document a life-threatening mechanical failure involving my 2022 Model X on January 30, 2026. While my wife was operating the vehicle, it suffered a simultaneous and catastrophic collapse of all primary safety systems. During operation, the vehicle experienced a total loss of steering and braking control. This was accompanied by a rapid cascade of critical system alerts on the primary display, including “ABS Malfunction,” “Stability Control Disabled,” and “Steering Assist Reduced/Disabled.” Most critically, the vehicle exhibited Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA), increasing speed in direct opposition to the driver’s physical application of the brake pedal. This resulted in a near-miss where the driver narrowly avoided a construction crew.
NHTSA complaint #11714488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving a notification popped up, parking brake may not be applied while driving. This notification appears in rain or snow making me think it is weather related malfunctioning.
NHTSA complaint #11710187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I own a 2019 Model X which I have been driving for six years without any driving issues. I did have a few incidents in which the screen went black while driving. That was scary - driving without controls. These issues reported to Tesla and were addressed by Tesla. Today I was pulling into a parking lot when all of a sudden my Tesla automatically accelerated to high speed. I could not control or stop the vehicle despite applying hard brakes. The car crashed through a metal fence and continued to accelerate through the wall of a building. The only reason it finally stopped was because the back tires got stuck on the ledge of the wall. The Tesla went through the metal gates and walls of the building, but the safety airbag never deployed. The car has been towed away and reported to the insurance immediately after the police report. There was no warning messages or indication prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11699986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to report and formally document a very serious and distressing safety incident involving my Tesla Model X that occurred for a second time, on [XXX]. While driving routinely into the parking garage at my workplace, my vehicle suddenly and violently stopped without warning. There were no obstacles, vehicles, or pedestrians in front of me. The abrupt stop caused my body and head to jolt forward with force, resulting in whiplash. I am still feeling dizzy, dazed, and disoriented, and I believe I may need to consult a neurologist as I have a headache from the whiplash. This is not the first time this has occurred. A similar but less severe incident happened previously while I was driving on [XXX] . At that time, I dismissed it as a possible glitch, but after this most recent and violent episode, I am deeply alarmed. I am extremely concerned about the safety of this vehicle. What if this sudden stop had occurred on the freeway, or while my two children were in the car? The potential consequences could have been catastrophic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11662871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11660199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN [XXX] ) was manufactured in March 2016 according to the sticker on the driver door. My car is experiencing the same issue as the Tesla Service Bulletin #SB-17-33-002 under NHTSA's recall # 17V2600 when putting the vehicle into drive or reverse from park. Tesla is stating they can not perform the service work because there is no recall specifically for my VIN# even though the car is showing the same error messages on the diagnostics screen and showing the same symptoms and failure as the recall and service bulletin. The repair requires the replacement of the parking brake calipers which is a safety issue if not replaced which could result in not properly functioning when needed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle displays warning messages not to drive the vehicle, the parking brake is not released and could cause damage to the brake pads if driven, and to take to the Tesla service center. Tesla is proposing the same repair and solution as the recall / service bulletin and wants to charge me $1,500 for something that should be under the recall, especially since my car was manufactured during the specified timeline of Feb 2016 to Oct 2016 and should fall under the safety issue with the same issue as the recall. This recall needs to include my VIN # and any Model X built during this timeframe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Now I know it's called Phantom or Ghost Breaking. When in cruise control or in autopilot, in certain highway areas from 65 or 70, it breaks down to 25 mph. Cars behind gets dangerously close, as well as the royal scare face I get! There has been two major updates since I bought it, and it still does the same. Since, more or less, I know the highway spots where it happens, I'm ready for it. However, when traveling elsewhere I'm not that lucky. At those high speeds it cam potential cause harm or even death!
NHTSA complaint #11642663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11641568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2025 Model X has a feature commonly called "one pedal drive", where lifting pressure off the gas pedal causes regenerative braking force. This feature is *forced on* at all times, and is unsafe in slippery icy conditions, especially turns, especially downhill. I don't know if this is because of a malfunction of their regen-braking anti-lock (the ABS equvialent), or because it's simply not possible to drive safely in slippery conditions with one-pedal-drive regen braking... but either way, this situation is unsafe. I urge you to investigate this situation, and consider issuing a recall requiring Tesla to perform a software update to give drivers the ability to turn off one-pedal-drive, for safety in snowy and icy conditions. NOTE: Tesla's owners manual for the Model Y recommends drivers disable one-pedal-drive by turning regenerative braking to LOW, but they have disabled the ability to do this on all Model S/X cars 2020+. From their Model Y owners manual: "Warning: In snowy or icy conditions, Model Y may experience loss of traction during regenerative braking, particularly when in the Standard setting and/or not using winter tires. Tesla recommends using the Low setting in snowy or icy conditions to help maintain vehicle stability." Here is a video example of this happening to a driver (not me) for reference. This is snow not ice, and not even in a turn or downhill. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11639128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I was informed that mismatched tires and front-end components were contributing to the problem, and repairs were completed. However, the original issue persisted. Subsequent visits for additional repairs also failed to resolve the problem, and new safety concerns emerged. Complicating matters, the Richmond Service Center has since closed, and its staff were terminated. When I contacted the Westchase Service Center, Manager Andrea P. informed me that no resolution or agreement could be reached. I have attached the following invoices for your review: Invoice #[XXX], dated April 26, 2024 Invoice #[XXX], dated November 9, 2023 I am requesting the following: A full review of my service history and unresolved issues. Immediate repairs to address motor and safety concerns at no additional cost. A clear explanation of Tesla’s policies regarding unresolved repairs, especially with closed service centers. This situation has caused financial and personal hardship. I urge Tesla to address these issues promptly to restore my confidence in your brand. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11632748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple follow-up appointments and additional repairs, the problem was never resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11632757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.