What 191 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Tesla Model X (all Variants)

I was using FSD any driving on XXX between [XXX] and [XXX]. Suddenly the car put on the 4 way flashers, slowed down and started to pull to the side of the road. There was no shoulder so the car would have stopped in the driving lane. I immediately turned the wheel back into the center of the lane and stepped on the accelerator to avoid being rear ended. Fortunately the traffic was light. There was no indication that the FSD sensed inattentiveness. I was able to continue driving using FSD. This happened twice on my way to Huntersville on XXX and once on the return trip on XXX. I filed a report with Tesla and have an appointment for next week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11748272

I own a 2023 Tesla Model X and I am reporting a steering-related safety concern. When making hard left turns, the steering wheel/front end shakes or shudders and makes a LOUD sounds. This does not feel or sound normal and appears to be related to the steering or front suspension system. The issue happens during low-speed turning/maneuvering when the wheel is turned sharply to the left. I contacted Tesla Service regarding the issue. Tesla advised that this is a known issue and that there is currently no available fix. Despite acknowledging that it is a known issue with no repair available, Tesla still wants to charge me a diagnostic fee. I am concerned because this involves the steering system, and I do not believe a vehicle should have steering shake or shuddering during normal turning, especially on a 2023 vehicle. Since Tesla has stated this is a known issue but has no fix, I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect affecting the 2023 Tesla Model X. The issue has not been repaired because Tesla stated there is no fix available at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11747871

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The apparent malfunction involved Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) during an autonomous highway lane change. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The vehicle struck lane delineator posts at approximately 70 mph without any observable warning or corrective action. Immediate manual intervention was required to avoid a potentially more serious collision with surrounding highway traffic. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center UNKNOWN. The incident has not been reproduced or independently confirmed. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?** A Tesla Service Request has been opened. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Tesla or any independent investigator. No police report was filed. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** No. There were no warning lights, warning messages, audible alerts, emergency braking, or diagnostic notifications before, during, or after the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11747215

Every time I use FSD in my Tesla, and disengage it by steering or the brake pedal, I am FORCED to deal with a popup selection window that takes over my control interface and WILL NOT go away unless I divert attention from a critical issue such as a crash or collision that will be avoided by me taking over control. This popup MUST be disabled ASAP. It steals vital time and attention from actually driving the vehicle and can appear many times per trip. This forced feedback popup is extremely dangerous to the safe operation of the vehicle. This popup must be looked into and Tesla forced to find another way.

NHTSA ODI 11743859

I have had “safety system restraints service is required “ as a warning four different times. Took my car in to a Tesla Service Center all 4 times & each time the repair only lasts about 6 months & it comes up again. For the 5th time I am going to the Tesla Service Center in Little Rock, AR. This time I will have to pay because my warranty is up. It is not fair & I want some remuneration or a replacement Model X.

NHTSA ODI 11739176

A car was backing up and almost hit my front bumper. The Tesla model X horn isn’t in the middle of the steering wheel on top of the airbag like every other car I have driven. There is a button (one of 7) on the steering wheel for the horn. Unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11738672

While using the FSD system, ANYTIME you take over, a LARGE popup appears on the main screen disabling ALL user input, or view of the map or any other information needed to DRIVE THE CAR, UNTIL you tap one of the options on the screen. This can happen MULTIPLE times during any drive, at everytime you take over. This is exceptionally dangerous and outright one of the dumbest things I've ever seen a car do.

NHTSA ODI 11734690

My 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid's falcon wing doors have had a persistent rattling/squeaking defect since August 2023 that has not been resolved after 9+ repair visits to Tesla service centers. More critically, in November 2025 (Invoice #3000S0014846906), the left falcon door's ultrasonic sensor failed to detect an adjacent vehicle's side mirrors, causing the falcon door to strike and scratch the other vehicle's mirrors — a safety incident for which I was forced to pay out-of-pocket. Tesla replaced the ultrasonic sensor under warranty but did not compensate me for the third-party damage. Additionally, in January 2026, the right falcon door was showing a "press and hold to override" error approximately 20% of the time despite no obstacles being present, requiring replacement of the sensor carrier (Invoice #3000S0015725078). The door sensor failures represent a serious safety hazard as the falcon wing doors can strike pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and property. These issues have not been permanently resolved despite repeated warranty repairs spanning nearly 3 years.

NHTSA ODI 11729233

My 2023 Tesla Model X began experiencing safety-related failures immediately after a Tesla software update. Right after the update, the vehicle’s cameras stopped functioning correctly and GPS/navigation also stopped working properly. Since that point, subsequent Tesla software updates have failed to install successfully. Tesla diagnosed the issue as requiring replacement of the HW4 computer at my expense for approximately $4,500 because the vehicle is just outside warranty. I believe this may be a safety defect or a software-induced hardware failure because the malfunction began immediately after Tesla’s software update and affects safety-relevant vehicle functions, including camera-related visibility systems and vehicle localization. My VIN does not show an open recall, but this vehicle previously received completed Tesla software recall remedies related to camera/HW4 issues. I am filing this complaint because Tesla should investigate whether this failure is related to a broader HW4 defect pattern, software update defect, or inadequate recall scope. I am requesting investigation of failures involving camera function, GPS malfunction, and repeated software update failure after an over-the-air Tesla update.

NHTSA ODI 11726773

My 2023 Tesla Model X suffers from severe, intermittent safety system failures. Specifically, the Automatic Emergency Braking and Steering Assist randomly become unavailable while driving. Tesla Service refuses to repair this, claiming they are "unable to replicate" the intermittent alerts. However, the vehicle's history proves severe safety flaws: Tesla previously had to replace the entire steering wheel assembly and the driver's seat belt lap pretensioner due to failures, and had to recalibrate the forward ADAS camera because it went out of spec causing Autopilot failures. These unresolved, randomly occurring defects pose a severe crash hazard that Tesla is ignoring.

NHTSA ODI 11725133

The second-row seat does not latch properly and cannot lock into position. This is a safety-related issue affecting occupant restraint and crash safety. The vehicle is a 2023 Tesla Model X with 59,035 miles now, when report this issue Tesla, it was only 57,326 mile, still within the 5-year / 60,000-mile Supplemental Restraint System warranty. Tesla has declined warranty coverage and requested customer-paid seat replacement. I am concerned the vehicle may be unsafe to operate due to the seat not latching. Requesting investigation into potential safety defect.

NHTSA ODI 11720061

On February 17 at approximately 9:30 AM, while my wife was driving uphill, the vehicle abruptly shut down and became completely disabled. It began rolling backward despite her attempting to accelerate. Multiple warning alerts activated simultaneously, and the vehicle would not respond to forward input. Our [XXX] child was in the vehicle at the time. A total loss of power while in motion, combined with unintended rollback on an incline, represents a catastrophic safety defect. This was not a minor malfunction — it created a direct and immediate risk of collision and serious injury. Compounding this concern, on the morning following the incident at approximately 6:00 AM, I discovered one of the vehicle doors open without any user interaction. The vehicle had been secured the night before. This raises serious questions regarding electronic reliability and system integrity. Given the severity of these failures, I have lost confidence in the safety and dependability of this vehicle. My family’s safety cannot be subjected to further uncertainty. If this matter is not resolved promptly and satisfactorily, I am prepared to pursue all available legal and regulatory remedies, including formal complaints to appropriate federal safety authorities. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a written response outlining next steps within five business days. This situation placed my wife and child in direct danger. I expect a resolution that reflects the seriousness of that fact. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11718694

I am reporting a catastrophic suspension failure resulting in complete wheel separation on my 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid shortly after Tesla service. While driving, the front left wheel separated from the hub, rendering the vehicle not drivable and creating an immediate risk of loss of control, collision, and serious injury or death. Tesla towed the vehicle back to its service center and issued written service documentation stating (verbatim): “The front left wheel had separated from the hub. The issue was caused by missing hardware on the upper control arm, leading to further damage.” Tesla did not attribute the failure to impact, road debris, wear, or misuse. The missing hardware was at a critical suspension attachment point. As a result, Tesla replaced multiple major safety-critical components under Goodwill / Internal Service, including the front left active damper/air spring, upper control arm bracket, halfshaft, wheel speed sensor, and multiple structural fasteners. A wheel-off event caused by missing suspension hardware represents a severe safety defect with high risk of catastrophic injury or fatality. This incident raises serious concerns about suspension assembly, post-service quality control, and whether other vehicles may be operating with missing or unsecured hardware. I respectfully request NHTSA review this as a suspension/wheel retention safety defect and evaluate whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ODI 11712088

FSD hw3 is so f ing dangerous. It’s tried to kill me many times. It forces lane charge or a jerking wheel wrestling disengage or swerve

NHTSA ODI 11710524

1. The Horn Button in NOT located in the center of the steering wheel but is located as a separate button off to the side and therefore is difficult to located in times of emergency when it is needed. 2. Where the button is located it is not intuitive in times of panic and emergency to try and located where to press the horn button. If you happen to be turning the wheel, it is almost impossible to find the button. 3. On future Tesla X models. Tesla the Manufacture decide to relocate the horn back to the center of the steering wheel. 4. We have had several close calls and missed accidents partly due to the fact we could not located the horn button in times of emergencies. 5. It seems like it would be a simple fix for the manufacturer to install an updated steering wheel for the safety of all occupants and other drivers.

NHTSA ODI 11706658

Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model X Component: Power-operated doors / door latching (auto-close / “cinch” close) Incident type: Finger pinch injury during powered door closing Summary of incident: While using my 2023 Tesla Model X, a powered door closing sequence resulted in a finger pinch injury. The door appeared to close normally and then performed an additional “cinch”/pull-in motion to fully latch. During this final motion, my thumb was caught in a very narrow gap and was pinched. There was no adequate pinch detection/anti-pinch reversal before contact and compression occurred. The gap was extremely small, leaving little time to react. Injury: Thumb crush injury with immediate blood under the nail (subungual hematoma), swelling, and altered sensation/numbness. I obtained medical evaluation and an X-ray, which showed no fracture. A splint was prescribed to protect the thumb. Safety concern: This is a significant pinch hazard because the powered closing/cinching can occur quickly and unexpectedly, and the door does not reliably detect or reverse when a finger is in the closing path. This presents a risk of more severe injury (fracture, nail-bed injury, nerve damage), especially for children. When it happened / conditions: Normal use, low speed/parked. (Add date/time/location if you want.) The incident occurred during the final powered latch/close step (“close then push/pull for full close”). What I want investigated / remedy requested: Request NHTSA to investigate the Model X powered door closing/cinching behavior and pinch detection effectiveness, including whether there are known blind spots or missing/insufficient anti-pinch protections. Recommend Tesla provide a software update or hardware change to improve pinch detection/reversal and/or limit cinch force/speed, and provide clearer warnings/settings to prevent unexpected powered closure.

NHTSA ODI 11704919

Recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault that Tesla cannot permanently repair despite 4 service attempts over 16 months. ISSUE: Vehicle intermittently displays "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault - Service Required" with persistent warning chimes and airbag warning indicator. Occurs with and without passenger present. Causes significant stress/anxiety and erodes confidence in restraint system reliability during a collision. REPAIR HISTORY (all under warranty): [XXX] (30,638 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Connector grease treatment. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (32,399 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Replaced Restraint Control Module. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (36,106 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Pin retention repair. Recurred after ~3 weeks. [XXX] (43,204 mi) - Invoice #[XXX] - Harness tension adjustment. Recurred late Nov 2025. CURRENT STATUS: Fault resurfaced 5th time. Service appointment scheduled ~Dec 14, 2025. Vehicle at ~48,000 miles, approaching 50,000-mile warranty limit. PATTERN: Each repair temporarily resolves issue, but fault consistently returns after 2-4 weeks. Tesla unable to identify root cause despite multiple different repair approaches. ADDITIONAL: Original owner. Also had driver-side restraint wiring repaired Feb 2024 (23,310 mi). Issue may relate to known Tesla restraint system concerns. Requesting NHTSA review whether this pattern warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11703187

While using Full Self Driving (FSD) for autoparking, the car backed into and sideswiped a pole

NHTSA ODI 11702804

Reat seatbelts become twisted and are not safe. Tesla claims this is a maintenance issue and not a defect in the mechanism. I disagree and this should be investigated by the government as it is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11701934

Tesla has taken the horn away from the traditional center of the steering wheel and put a ridiculously small button on the side of the steering wheel. Most times when you need to use your horn it’s because of a sudden, unanticipated situation. It’s intuitive to hit the center of the wheel. It’s absolutely impossible to find the tiny button in that situation. One has to take their eyes off the road and look for the button. By the time it is located the situation is over. I understand Tesla has corrected this on their current vehicles and gone back to the traditional center of the wheel. But that does not help owners of the affected autos. They should be required to offer a solution, like a stand alone button that can be attached to the center steering wheel. The current configuration is flat out unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11699799

In an emergency when the vehicle loses battery power, the rear falcon wing doors are very difficult to unlatch and open. A person has to be able to pull the speaker off the door, which is located at the bottom of the door panel (in good condition I had a difficult time doing it ). Once the speaker cover is pulled off then you have to pull on a thin wire to unlatch the car door. I can do it, but my wife can’t. Children wouldn’t be able to do it and elderly people won’t be able to do it. This is truly a safety hazard that can be easily corrected. I tried reporting this to Tesla, but was not able to report the information. Their customer service line doesn’t have a callback or tell you what the wait time is. I waited 45 minutes one day and 25 minutes the second day. On the first day, I was told that it would be a 20 minute wait.

NHTSA ODI 11694997

The vehicle has start throwing a safety restraint error. We got into the service mode and it shows there is electrical problems with the driver side airbag system and that it may not deploy in the event of an accident. Tesla is delaying the appointment to review this for 12 days. Their app advised to not drive the car due to a safety issue as all safety measures may not work appropriately. Seems to be a safety level recall.

NHTSA ODI 11691180

Issue Description GPS freeze: The navigation system remains stuck at one location even when the vehicle is moving. Park Assist not available. FSD not available. Rear camera shows black screen, completely disabling reverse visibility. These issues occur intermittently, often lasting for days, and then resolve themselves unexpectedly. Unfortunately, when scheduling service, the problem often disappears by the appointment date, making diagnosis inconsistent. However, the failures have already occurred more than three times, and each time they severely impact both safety and usability. Safety Concerns Lack of rear camera visibility creates a direct safety hazard during reversing. Disabled Park Assist and FSD compromise Tesla’s advertised safety features. GPS malfunction affects navigation and system reliability.

NHTSA ODI 11686429

The horn is in a place that is difficult to find in hazardous situations rather than in the center of the steering wheel like every other car on earth. We have found it dangerous many times

NHTSA ODI 11685373

All trailer hitches installed on Tesla Model X and Model Y vehicles do not meet the standards for towing in the US. These hitches are from Bosal, a European manufacturer, and there is no way to safely tow most trailers in the US including Home Depot, UHAUL, Airstream, boat trailers, etc. and meet the manufacturer safety specifications. Model X and Model Y owners on the road today are not following Tesla's manual and are using a tow ball adapter way outside the safety spec for the Tesla hitch. This poses a serious safety concern which could lead to failure of the hitch and the trailer detaching from the car while in motion. This poses as serious safety concern for the drivers, passengers, and everyone around the vehicle in tow. Please investigate this. I quick look at the Tesla manual specifications and the standard 18" height of trailers in the US makes it clear there is a serious issue here. Please investigate asap. I have contacted Tesla at least 10 times and nobody there is taking action on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11683909