Problems · NHTSA complaints
2023 Tesla Model X problems
Owners filed 195 complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model X with NHTSA between Jan 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (46).
Complaints
195
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering46
- Electrical system21
- Forward collision avoidance20
- Structure12
- Service brakes10
- Air bags9
- Seat belts9
- Lane departure8
- Vehicle speed control7
- Suspension5
- Visibility/wiper5
- Back over prevention4
- Exterior lighting4
- Seats3
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
31
115
31
18
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 115 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 18 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Steering
46 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“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.”
Electrical system
21 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“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.”
Forward collision avoidance
20 reports5 crashes1 related recall
“On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model X to the Macy's at Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA, with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged. The navigation system routed incorrectly to Lincoln Square instead of Bellevue Square, and the vehicle proceeded into the Lincoln Square underground parking garage while still in FSD mode. The vehicle briefly stopped at the parking entrance gate where the barrier arm is, then suddenly accelerated at full speed toward a wall — breaking through the barrier arm and colliding with the wall. I attempted to cancel FSD and pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not disengage and did not stop. I heard no Forward Collision Warning of any kind — no audible alert ever sounded. I was not watching the display, so I cannot say whether any visual warning appeared, and I am not aware of any Automatic Emergency Braking engagement or Obstacle-Aware Acceleration intervention. To my knowledge the vehicle has not been repaired and can be made available for inspection upon request. The malfunction put occupant and bystander safety at serious risk: sudden unintended full acceleration inside an enclosed parking garage…”
Structure
12 reports
“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.”
Service brakes
10 reports3 crashes
“On two occasions while driving using Tesla’s FSD, the brake has failed to engage in emergency situations after engaging the brake pedal. I have reported this issue to Tesla as part of a broader buy back request for my car which has had multiple issues and continues to have multiple issues. Tesla simply stated they could not replicate this issue and denied my buyback request. I do not feel safe driving this car around.”
Air bags
9 reports3 crashes3 related recalls
“I have a 2018 and a 2023 Tesla both with the same air bag failure warning, specifically Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue. Since this is a critical safety component of the car and Tesla appears to have a wide spread problem with this component, please look into this as possible recall situation.”
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.