Is fsd and autopilot unexpected behavior a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

18 NHTSA complaints have been filed about fsd and autopilot unexpected behavior on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-06 → 2026-07). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11748272): "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…" Source: NHTSA.

2023 Tesla Model X Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is steering wheel horn button location a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

88 NHTSA complaints have been filed about steering wheel horn button location on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-01 → 2026-07). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11595009): "All stalks and physical horns have been removed. They are now capacitive buttons on the steering wheel that move with the wheel, are not raised to find easier, and are difficult to find in emergencies. I was nearly in a head-on collision and couldn't find the horn fast enough…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is front passenger safety restraint system fault a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about front passenger safety restraint system fault on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-06 → 2026-08). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11703187): "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…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is falcon wing door sensor and injury incidents a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about falcon wing door sensor and injury incidents on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-05 → 2026-04). Reported component: STRUCTURE:BODY. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11523229): "My 10 year old daughter suffered a concussion when the falcon wing door opened, failed to detect her standing nearby, and hit her on the head. I brought the car into my local Tesla service center where we reproduced the behavior of the falcon wing door" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is unintended acceleration and brake response a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unintended acceleration and brake response on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-12 → 2025-01). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11561386): "The contact stated that while driving into her driveway, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and conversely, with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle collided with the rear of another vehicle…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is suspension and steering noise during turns a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about suspension and steering noise during turns on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-08 → 2026-07). Reported component: SUSPENSION, STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11747871): "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…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is exterior body trim and panel detachment a known issue with the 2023 Tesla Model X?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about exterior body trim and panel detachment on the 2023 Tesla Model X (2023-08 → 2025-05). Reported component: STRUCTURE:BODY. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11537872): "The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed the rear fender had detached and fallen onto the ground. The contact stated that the driver's side front wheel well had also detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the parts were put back…" Source: NHTSA.

The 2023 Tesla Model X carries 17 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering software and automated/adaptive steering. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel horn button location.” Tesla vehicles have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to maintain. The schedule below is the entire factory-recommended service list. Tesla does not require dealer-stamped service intervals to maintain warranty — owners can service most items at home or at any qualified shop.

17 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V843000 · Nov 15, 2022

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The restraint control module (RCM) calibration may cause the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the RCM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-015.

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Campaign #23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Campaign #23V244000 · May 4, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model X vehicles equipped with a full self-driving computer 4.0 and running software release version 2023.2.200. Weak camera signal strength may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #23V489000 · Jul 14, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.

Risk: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #23V488000 · Jul 14, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

Risk: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #23V679000 · Nov 10, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and will not display a warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-005.

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Campaign #23V743000 · Mar 11, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign #23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #23V862000 · Dec 19, 2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Risk: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #24V035000 · Jan 22, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Campaign #24V376000 · May 28, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #24V554000 · Jul 24, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V002000 · Jul 1, 2025

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #25V172000 · Mar 19, 2025

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION

Campaign #24V967000 · Dec 24, 2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V283000 · May 5, 2026

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Tesla Model X.

5 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Action #AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The ma…
View on NHTSA →
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Action #DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in…
View on NHTSA →
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Action #EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, w…
View on NHTSA →
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Action #PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traﬃc safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that T…
View on NHTSA →
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Action #RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel horn button location

STEERING

88 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-07

“All stalks and physical horns have been removed. They are now capacitive buttons on the steering wheel that move with the wheel, are not raised to find easier, and are difficult to find in emergencies. I was nearly in a head-on collision and couldn't find the horn fast enough…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595009

“I was driving in the slow lane of a 3-day (each direction street). On my right were cars parked on the street. A car in the 2nd lane was coming up and passing me and it decided (without signaling) to turn into my lane. Scared I tried to press the horn, but pressing the large…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592031

“The 2023 Tesla Model X does not have a physical horn in the center, rather a small touch sensitive button located on the side on the steering wheel. The button does not even have any physical bump to make it easy to find without looking. This is a huge safety issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629452

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

FSD and Autopilot unexpected behavior

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

18 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-07

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748272

“The vehicle consistently chooses the wrong lane and drifts across yellow lines. The FSD visualization fails to correctly distinguish road markings, lanes, and turning arrows, causing them to move erratically on the display. The car attempts to merge into lanes that appear in…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677989

“Episode # 1: Sunday, [XXX] NEAR-DEATH-EXPERIENCE 2 times in 2 weeks while driving Tesla Model X 2023 with FSD. Both myself and wife were travelling and coming from Toronto to Lake George, NJ All of a sudden car STOPPED in the middle of the highway. Laptop screen was blank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622851

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front passenger safety restraint system fault

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-08

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703187

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739176

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691180

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Falcon wing door sensor and injury incidents

STRUCTURE:BODY

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2026-04

“My 10 year old daughter suffered a concussion when the falcon wing door opened, failed to detect her standing nearby, and hit her on the head. I brought the car into my local Tesla service center where we reproduced the behavior of the falcon wing door”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523229

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729233

“In unexpected and unknown circumstances (false sensor detections?), the automated doors and trunk will suddenly reverse direction when opening and rapidly close instead of pausing. This can cause injury with no ability to get out of the way in proper time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565362

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and brake response

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2025-01

“The contact stated that while driving into her driveway, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and conversely, with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle collided with the rear of another vehicle…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561386

“I was driving the car in stop-and-go traffic on a city street. After another stop, the car in front of me started moving. I pressed on the accelerator with the usual force, but my car took off like crazy. I pressed on the breaks, but the car didn't seem to respond to the brake…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567841

“As I drove my Tesla Model X Plaid into my driveway towards the garage to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated itself (I have FSD but wasn’t using it at that time) and drove into the garage door as it was still opening, slamming and crushing into all the items that were on one…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545772

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension and steering noise during turns

SUSPENSION, STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-07

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747871

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712088

“After messaging Tesla due to noise and vibration, they reviewed the videos sent and preliminarily diagnosed the issue a control arm problem. They then stated that instead of having it assessed to determine the extent of the problem, that it was ok to drive and to wait 39 days…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617549

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exterior body trim and panel detachment

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2025-05

“The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed the rear fender had detached and fallen onto the ground. The contact stated that the driver's side front wheel well had also detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the parts were put back…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537872

“The trim surrounding my two front wheels, as well as part of the trim on my rear passenger-side tire, popped completely off of the vehicle while driving through a typical rain storm in Central Florida. That is a total of three pieces ejected during the normal course of driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602999

“When I got home, I realized that both fender flares were completely gone. I believe this is a serious issue of durability. Even plastic model kits don’t lose parts just from water pressure. The damage to other cars is on me when the parts get blown away by water or something”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663194

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 5 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Tire Rotation

Every 6,250 mi

Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32". Performance models (Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance) wear front tires faster — rotate at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Fluid Test

On condition / lifetime

Test brake fluid for moisture every 2 years on Model 3/Y, every 4 years on Model S/X. Replace if moisture content exceeds the test threshold. Regenerative braking dramatically extends fluid life vs ICE vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Tire Pressure Check

Every 1,000 mi (monthly)

Check tire pressure monthly. Tesla's range estimates assume manufacturer-spec pressure; under-inflation costs 5-10% range and accelerates tire wear.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace every 2 years. Model S / Model X: replace every 3 years (HEPA filter, larger). Sooner in dusty climates or wildfire-prone regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

HEPA Filter (Model S / X with Bioweapon Defense Mode)

On condition / lifetime

Model S and Model X equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode use a HEPA filter — replace every 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$130–$210

Shop

~$95–$150

DIY

~$35–$90

HEPA-grade replacement; aftermarket is improving but selection is narrower than standard cabin filters.

High-Voltage Battery — No Service

On condition / lifetime

The high-voltage battery is sealed and has no scheduled maintenance. Tesla's 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery warranty covers capacity retention to 70%.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

—

Shop

—

DIY

—

Traction battery service varies dramatically by vehicle ($5k–$20k+). Get a quote — we won't pretend to know.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Tesla Model X reflects Tesla's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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