Owners have reported 24 crashes, 2 fires and 12 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model X. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints31
SUSPENSION
Owners report several recurring suspension issues with the 2018 Tesla Model X. Common failure patterns include front suspension components such as control arms and half shafts making creaking, squeaking, or vibrating noises, often described as violent shaking or shuddering during acceleration. Complaints frequently mention suspension air compressors failing multiple times within a short period, and rear tire wear due to non-adjustable camber settings. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some owners experiencing them as early as 5,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, with a few reports involving crashes due to suspension parts breaking or wheels detaching. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding repair costs and safety risks.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model X frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the media control unit (MCU) and instrument cluster becoming inoperable. Symptoms often include blank screens, loss of speedometer and turn signals, and unresponsive controls, which can occur while driving. These failures are noted at various mileages, with some reports starting as early as 5,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two complaints involving crashes and one injury reported. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs and the possibility of recurring issues with the vehicle's electronics.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model-X frequently report sudden unintended acceleration, with several instances leading to crashes. Complaints often describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers, such as in parking lots or garages, despite brake application. Additionally, issues with the autopilot and braking systems are noted, including abrupt braking without cause and failure to stop in autopilot mode, leading to collisions. Some owners also report problems with the infotainment system, including screen blackouts and slow operation, and a case of fire while the vehicle was in traffic. These issues are reported at various stages of vehicle ownership, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of control, risk of collision, and in one case, a vehicle fire.
Severity signals: 6 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2018 Tesla Model X, particularly involving phantom braking and failure to prevent collisions. Complaints commonly describe sudden, unnecessary braking while using cruise control or autopilot, often at highway speeds, with some incidents occurring multiple times over long trips. Crashes are reported in four instances, one involving an injury, where the system either failed to brake or unexpectedly veered into other vehicles. These issues appear across various mileages, with some owners noting repeated occurrences since 2021. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported safety concerns, as they might impact the reliability and safety of the vehicle.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model-X frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected braking. Complaints often describe the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes while parking or at low speeds, leading to crashes, with some incidents resulting in injuries. Sudden braking incidents are also noted, often occurring while using cruise control or autopilot, with the vehicle unexpectedly decelerating without apparent obstacles. These issues are reported across varying mileage ranges and can occur both with and without the use of autopilot, suggesting potential safety implications for drivers and pedestrians. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially considering the number of crashes and injuries reported.
Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 7 injury reports
Owner complaints11
STRUCTURE
Owners report recurring issues with the falcon wing doors on the 2018 Tesla Model X, frequently describing failures to open, particularly in hot and sunny conditions. This issue has led to situations where passengers are unable to exit the vehicle, posing a potential safety risk. Additional complaints mention problems with the front trunk opening unexpectedly while driving and issues with door and window components, such as spontaneous shattering or failing to lock. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle allegedly accelerated unintentionally, resulting in a collision with a fence. These issues often arise in vehicles with varying mileages, and multiple owners express concerns about the safety implications of these structural failures.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model X frequently report issues with the steering system, with common symptoms including reduced steering assist, loud squeaking or creaking noises, and steering wheel lock-ups. Complaints also mention electronic malfunctions, such as horns that engage and do not stop, often accompanied by electrical failures and, in one instance, smoke and a burning smell. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some vehicles experiencing problems within five years and under 60,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a fire, and several describe loss of control features like autopilot and emergency braking becoming unavailable. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential high repair costs and consider these reported issues when evaluating used Model X vehicles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
POWER TRAIN
Owners report recurring issues with the axles and CV joints in the 2018 Tesla Model X, with multiple instances of premature failure requiring repeated replacements. Complaints frequently mention a "clunking" sound as a symptom, and these failures often occur within the first few years of ownership. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the vehicle unexpectedly shifting from neutral to park, particularly during car washes, which may be linked to sensor or software issues. Safety implications include potential vehicle immobilization, though no crashes or loss of control are specifically reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering vehicles with a history of axle or CV joint repairs.
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model-X frequently report issues related to "phantom braking" when using adaptive cruise control, where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerates without clear reason. These incidents are described as abrupt stops from highway speeds, occurring multiple times for some owners, with one reporting four instances since October 2021. Additionally, a failure pattern involving the wheel sensor cable is noted, leading to a loss of ABS and other control systems. One incident resulted in an injury due to the emergency brake engaging unexpectedly, causing a sudden stop and physical harm to an occupant. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, including sudden stops on highways and the loss of critical braking functions.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners report recurring issues with the airbag system in the 2018 Tesla Model X, often involving warnings related to the safety restraint system. Complaints frequently mention a "safety restraint system issue" error that appears when the vehicle is started, potentially indicating a risk of airbags not deploying during a collision. Some owners describe problems with seatbelt sensors, suspecting wiring issues under the seat, which Tesla allegedly suggests require seat replacement. Additionally, there are reports of airbag and horn failures, with one owner experiencing repeated issues within a year of replacement. These symptoms typically surface as the vehicle ages, but specific mileage is not consistently noted. The potential for non-deployment of airbags during an accident poses a significant safety concern for prospective buyers.
