Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Tesla Model X problems

Owners filed 129 complaints about the 2022 Tesla Model X with NHTSA between Mar 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (44).

Complaints
129
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering44
  2. Forward collision avoidance21
  3. Electrical system16
  4. Vehicle speed control13
  5. Suspension10
  6. Service brakes10
  7. Air bags10
  8. Lane departure8
  9. Structure8
  10. Seat belts7
  11. Wheels4
  12. Power train4
  13. Seats4
  14. Exterior lighting3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202230
202334
202433
202513
202619

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

44 reports3 crashes2 related recalls
“I own a 2022 Tesla Model X. I began noticing a creaking/clicking noise from the front steering/suspension area, particularly when turning the steering wheel at larger angles and at low speeds. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for inspection. Tesla inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a bent steering rack/steering component. Tesla recommended replacement of the complete steering gear assembly, along with repairs to front suspension components. Tesla provided photographs of the condition and stated in writing that bending this component would require approximately 4,000 to 6,000 pounds of force at a specific angle. Tesla attributed the condition to an external impact. However, I am not aware of any accident, collision, curb strike, significant pothole impact, road-debris strike, or other event that would explain this condition. There were no crash-related warning messages or known impact events preceding the steering symptoms. The first symptom I noticed was the creaking/clicking noise during low-speed steering. I am concerned because the steering system is safety-critical and I do not know when, how, or why the steering component became bent. A…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Steering, SuspensionODI 11763266

Forward collision avoidance

21 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11746082

Electrical system

16 reports2 crashes2 fires8 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11755585

Vehicle speed control

13 reports6 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2026Steering, Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 11714755

Suspension

10 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 13, 2026Steering, Suspension, WheelsODI 11730973

Service brakes

10 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2026Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11714488
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.