What 122 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Tesla Model X (all Variants)

I am reporting several safety concerns based on approximately one year of experience using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD). Primary Event: Between February 23 and February 28, 2026, while traveling northbound on the NJ Turnpike with FSD engaged, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 95 mph in a 65 mph. The acceleration appeared unexpected and excessive for the traffic conditions. I disengaged FSD and immediately took control of the vehicle to reduce speed and continued driving manually.No collision occurred, but I considered the event a safety risk because the vehicle exceeded the posted speed limit by a substantial margin. Additional Observations: 1. On multiple occasions, FSD appeared not to recognize or comply with “NO TURN ON RED” traffic signs.2. Situations where overhead or elevated traffic signs appeared not to be recognized by the system.3. On one occasion, the vehicle navigated toward railroad tracks where the roadway and tracks intersected at an approximate 45-degree angle. The vehicle behavior caused concern.4. When driving directly into bright sunlight, particularly when the sun is low and shining directly into the windshield, FSD performance appears degraded or confused. Human drivers typically use sun visors and other visual cues in these conditions. The vehicle’s driving behavior appeared less predictable during such events. 5. Lane changes are attempted across areas marked by continuous lane where lane change would not normally be expected. Additional Concern: A significant regulatory issue may involve situations where drivers intervene immediately before a collision. In real-world driving, drivers often instinctively take control when they perceive an imminent hazard. Therefore, when evaluating crashes involving FSD, I believe investigators should review vehicle data for period immediately preceding a collision, including several seconds before any disengagement, rather than focusing solely on whether FSD was engaged at the exact moment of impact.

NHTSA ODI 11746082

As I was driving the Tesla Model X, I received a steering assist reduced error on the dash. There was no immediate noticeability, but after about 5 minutes, it felt like there was ZERO power steering, with no additional warnings in the car. With zero power steering, car required extreme forces required to get to the shoulder. If attempting any kind of turn, car would require forces in excess of 80lbs of pressure to execute. Once safely in a parking lot, I put the car into SERVICE mode to check the errors. There was an EPAS error, where it said Torque Sensor 1 not receiving, along with a Torque Sensor 2 not receiving. This has occurred to me 3 times, in the 3 years I've owned the car. Other than "Steering assist reduced", there is no other warning that the car's EPAS steering system reverts to just manual forces required to steer a car. I do not trust my wife to drive this car, as she would not have the strength necessary to get the car to a safe location. If this happened while turning, there's a strong possibility the car would not turn at all, a huge safety factor.

NHTSA ODI 11741443

The steering wheel locks periodically and I have to get out and re enter my car. On long drives it works pretty fine and does not do this much on highways only once but in hotter weathers it seems to be much much worse. This happened once before the warranty but I did not think much of it. In one instance the steering wheel was so tight that it hurt my wrist while getting off the road

NHTSA ODI 11740539

The primary front trunk (frunk) latch mechanism fails to unlatch on the first attempt, requiring multiple actuations to open. When I brought the vehicle to the manufacturer's official service center to have the defective safety latch inspected and repaired, they confirmed the behavior but refused to fix the underlying hardware. Instead, the service center officially documented on my repair invoice that this latch failure is "frequently present and deemed a characteristic of the vehicle." A malfunctioning, binding, or misaligned front trunk latch poses a severe safety risk. If the primary latch is failing to release properly, it indicates a defect in the retention mechanism that could lead to the hood unexpectedly opening, flying up, and obstructing the driver's vision at highway speeds (a known issue that has caused recalls in the past). The manufacturer's refusal to repair a failing primary safety latch, and instead documenting it as a normal "characteristic," leaves a critical safety component in a compromised and dangerous state. There were no warning lights prior to this failure; it is a physical, mechanical defect that the manufacturer has acknowledged in writing but refuses to remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11736598

The failure involves the rear suspension system, specifically suspected rear control arm / suspension linkage play, which caused severe misalignment (rear toe out of specification). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect created a significant safety risk. The abnormal toe condition caused rapid and uneven tire wear, with both rear tires becoming nearly completely bald within less than 7,000 miles. This condition increases the risk of tire blowout, loss of traction, and potential loss of control at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center (Les Schwab), which documented suspension play in the rear control arm area and alignment out of specification (rear toe approximately +1.20° total). The alignment could not be maintained, indicating an underlying mechanical issue. Tesla inspected the vehicle but stated that no suspension components required replacement and attributed the issue only to alignment. However, alignment does not go out of specification without a mechanical cause. Despite multiple requests, Tesla refused to provide detailed documentation regarding the inspection or repair of the suspension system. They replaced only one rear tire and did not address the root cause. The other rear tire had already worn completely bald. After approximately 5,386 miles, the replacement tire has again worn down close to the minimum safety limit, demonstrating that the underlying issue was not corrected and continues to affect vehicle safety. There were no warning lights or system messages prior to the failure. The first symptoms were abnormal tire wear, increased energy consumption, and unstable driving behavior at highway speeds, which began shortly after vehicle purchase. This appears to be a repeat safety-related defect that has not been properly diagnosed or repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11730973

Lost power steering while I was driving multiple time and I couldn't turn. Later the alert also come on and off but sometime the steering is fine. Found out on Tesla Model X facebook group people are having the same issues.

NHTSA ODI 11729091

The electric power assist steering system on my 2022 Tesla Model X began displaying a "Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort" warning intermittently beginning in approximately May 2024, shortly after I purchased the vehicle. This warning appeared more times than I can count over the following months. In most instances the warning appeared but the steering continued to function normally. On approximately March 2, 2026, the warning appeared and for the first time the steering became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significantly increased physical effort to control the vehicle. The first physical failure occurred while parking at low speed in reverse. The steering failure also occurred subsequently while driving at highway speeds. In both instances I stopped the vehicle, exited, waited briefly, and upon re-entering the vehicle the warning cleared and steering returned to normal. This same sequence repeated the following day. The vehicle was brought to a Tesla authorized service center on March 13, 2026. Tesla's technician confirmed the steering assist reduction as reported and determined the steering gear required full replacement. The failed part, steering gear left hand drive part number 1070801-00-F, was replaced. Only full hardware replacement resolved the issue permanently. Prior power cycling provided only temporary relief. My safety was directly at risk. I am a full-time rideshare driver operating at highway speeds. The failed component has been replaced and is in Tesla's possession. Tesla is charging the full repair cost out of pocket despite this matching a documented pattern of identical failures reported to NHTSA by multiple Tesla owners.

NHTSA ODI 11724683

While driving my 2022 Tesla Model X at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of steering assist shortly after Supercharging. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and I had to use significant force to maintain control. The vehicle displayed a ‘Steering Assist Reduced’ alert, FSD became unavailable, and the suspension behaved unexpectedly. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to Tesla service. At this time, I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause of the steering‑assist loss. Because this event occurred at highway speed and created a safety concern, I am submitting this report so the incident can be documented and reviewed.

NHTSA ODI 11717677

On January 31, 2026, at 10:30 PM, I was driving from Fort Lauderdale to my home in Boca Raton, Florida. I was using FSD supervised mode. Close to my home, a big red image suddenly appeared, the car started accelerating fast, and I had no control over the car or its steering wheel. The car hit several electrical posts and only stopped after the airbags engaged. My wife was in the passenger seat. The front of the car was totally damaged, and I will have to total it.

NHTSA ODI 11714755

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 ODI 11714488

The turn signal buttons intermittently fail to work. Many presses of the tuen signal buttons do nothing. When it stops working it stops for several minutes and then will start to work again. The problem is happening more and more frequently. The yoke has been replaced 3 times already for the same issue and after about a year just started happening again.

NHTSA ODI 11712587

Both front half shafts failed. I did research and this part is known to be substandard, was recalled in China, and remains a problem in the US.

NHTSA ODI 11708541

My 2022 Tesla Model X has two recurring safety-critical defects that remain unresolved despite multiple repair attempts. 1. Airbag / Restraint System Failure (RCM2 / OCS Defect): The vehicle frequently misclassifies the front passenger seat. It shows a passenger when the seat is empty and activates passenger seatbelt warnings incorrectly. Recently the vehicle displayed: “Front passenger safety restraint system issue: Service required (RCM2_a064).” Tesla attempted to repair an electrical harness in the seat, but the problem returned. A Tesla technician documented that the seat may still need a new occupancy sensor. Because this affects the Occupant Classification System and airbag deployment logic, it raises potential FMVSS 208 compliance concerns. 2. FSD / GPS Safety Hazard (5 Unsuccessful Repair Attempts): Across five service visits, Tesla attempted to fix GPS drift and unsafe FSD routing. The vehicle still attempts incorrect turns, performs premature lane changes, and misinterprets intersections. One recent incident involved FSD attempting a left turn one intersection early, nearly causing a collision. Tesla replaced the GPS antenna, recalibrated cameras, and replaced the computer, but the unsafe behavior continues. These two defects—incorrect airbag/OCS behavior and hazardous automated-driving/navigation behavior—create a significant safety risk to occupants and other drivers. Both defects persist after repair attempts. I can provide service records, videos, and documentation upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11703661

The vehicle presents a compounded safety defect creating a risk of passenger entrapment and high-voltage fire. 1. High Voltage Manufacturing Defect: On September 3, 2024, authorized Tesla Service technicians diagnosed a critical safety fault. The service record states technicians 'found A/C compressor HV harness was incorrectly routed, rubbing against the steering column' and 'found sand inside the connector'. Tesla repaired this defects under the 'Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty,' confirming it was a factory assembly error. This defect created an imminent risk of a high-voltage short to the steering column, which could result in driver electrocution or total vehicle power loss at speed. 2. Passenger Entrapment: The vehicle has a documented history of Rear Falcon Wing Door failure (7 repair attempts from April 2023 to May 2025). The doors frequently fail to latch or open. On July 8, 2025, the Left Rear Door failed to open due to a sensor fault. 3. Combined Hazard: If the incorrectly routed High Voltage harness causes a vehicle power failure, the rear doors' electronic latches will fail. Because the doors have a history of mechanical jamming, passengers in the rear seats would be trapped in a vehicle with a compromised High Voltage system.

NHTSA ODI 11702157

I had my two Teslas parked in the garage. The model X was charging at about 1:30 AM. We heard explosions coming out of the garage. Went to check only to see my model X in flames. We evacuated and called 911 eventually a fire investigation report was made Showing the fire started within the vehicle outward. The battery pack was on fire. We had lithium contamination all over the house and this fire endangered five lives. This incident has been two years ago and until now Tesla refuses to acknowledge the faulty battery and is refusing to do anything about it

NHTSA ODI 11700457

The wing-style door of the car closed while my 1-year-old daughter's leg was sticking out. It dragged her leg sideways as it closed, and he femur broke. None of the sensors worked, the door should have detected motion or pressure, but they did not and it resulted in my daughter's leg breaking.

NHTSA ODI 11694836

As I was attempting to merge onto Interstate 75, I noticed that steering became unexpectedly difficult. Consequently, I decided not to enter the highway. I then crossed the highway and pulled into a parking lot, where I turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the issue seemed to have resolved itself.

NHTSA ODI 11669976

Got a warning notice on my dashboard that the passenger safety restraint system failed...ie the airbag.

NHTSA ODI 11668897

" PASSANGER SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT" IS THE WARNING MESSAGE POPPING UP ON THE DISPLAY WE NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT SOMETIMES GOES AWAY WHEN MOVING THE PASSANGER SEAT, WE FIRST TOUGHT THAT THIS WAS JUST A PROBLEM THAT WE MAY HAVE CAUSED BUT ONCE DOING REASERACH WE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY ONLINE SCENERIOUS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE "PASSANGER SAFETY REISTRAINT FAULT" WE DISSMISSED THE ISSUE WE TOOK IT TO TESLA SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA THEY MENTIONED THAT SOME WIRE PIN HAD CAME LOOSE WHICH WE THOUGHT WAS ODD SINCE WE HAVE OWNED OVER 20 VEHILES AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER MANUFACTURE. WE WERE CHARGED 300+ DOLLARS FOR THEM TO FIND THEB EXCAT PIN/ WIRE THAT CAME LOOSE. WE ALSO HAVE A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 STANDER RANGE, WE RECENTLY HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THE WARNING LIGHT IS CURRENTLY ON AND GOES AWAY IF WE MOVE THE PASSANGER SEAT. I HAVE COME TO CONCLUDE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT CAN BE A SERIOUS ISSUE IF AIR BAGS ARE NOT PROPERLY WORKING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO PASSANGERS IN THE VEHICLE I WILL ATTACH THE VIN OF OUR 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 STANDER RANGE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11666337

Suspension Design and Negative Camber: Rear tires have huge inner wear when wires are visible after few thousands miles. Changed tires 3 times already within 14k miles. Current miles is 18,200, but 1st time it happened in Aug 2022 when miles were 4200.

NHTSA ODI 11663063

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11662871

This vehicle suffered a flat tire on the left rear at 20,000 miles. It was discovered that the tire had worn out on the inside prematurely due to a faulty negative camber alignment. The other tire on the right rear was examined and found to be worn down to the treads on the inside as well. I informed Tesla and they said this is normal for the make and model. You cannot see the inside of these tires during a normal walk around inspection. Tesla says that the problem cannot be fixed. I could have suffered a tire failure at high speed which could have been catastrophic. Tesla just says its unfortunate and you have to live with this issue. i consider this to be a very unsafe issue that Tesla should address at their expense. This car is under warranty and Tesla refused to repair the car.Tesla did not divulge this issue to me prior to purchasing the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11661443

My car is been vibrating and shaking for over a year now, and everytime I took it to certified Tesla service, they brought it back to me telling me they can't feel anything, and that there is noting to fix. After the fifth time, they suddenly tells me that I got into a hole in the road and that is why it's shaking, also, the car had a message on the screen saying that the air pressure can't lift the vehicle, and it made a huge noise, I had to call a tow truck to take it to Tesla center. NOW, they are telling me that a mouse ate the hose, and that will cost me $9000. I can't pay that much money, and it's not OK. Can you please contact me as soon as possible and help me solve this problem? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11660960

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to inform you of a recurring issue I am experiencing with the power steering in my 2022 Model X Plaid. This problem began on [XXX] and has progressively worsened. Initially, the power steering would function normally for approximately 30 minutes of driving. It would work fine when starting in the morning or when the car was cool. However, after driving about 15 miles, the power steering would completely fail, and a warning message would appear indicating that extra effort was required. Recently, the power steering now fails every time I drive. Based on my research, this appears to be a common problem with Tesla vehicles, and I understand a recall has been issued for some model years, although not for the year of my vehicle. I intend to have this issue addressed and repaired through Tesla service. However, I wanted to make you aware of this problem as it seems to be a known issue that is now affecting my 2022 X Plaid as well. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11657566

While driving my Model X 2022 I noticed the warning "Steering assist reduced, Steering may require increased effort". I was then at a red light and I started to make a left turn and I could BARELY turn the wheel it was like it was almost locked up. Luckily I had enough strength and I was driving into a parking lot where I needed to have my car towed. Tesla service just said there was moisture in the steering wheel connector and they just cleaned it up and connected it. They test drove it and said it's fine. 4 days later I was driving it on the highway and I got the message again and I had my daughter in the car and was terrified. Luckily the steering did not lock up and just drove it home. I have messaged Tesla to see next steps, but when I look at the forums this has been happening A LOT! This is a huge safety concern and I don't feel Tesla is properly handling it based on all the reviews I have read...

NHTSA ODI 11657089