repaired · 2026 Q2
Front: warning light/devices
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.
2018 Tesla Model XProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 193 owner complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model X, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-035 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Tesla Model X has problems
193 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Suspension3 crash/fire/injury
36Electrical system6 crash/fire/injury
32Forward collision avoidance7 crash/fire/injury
22Structure6 crash/fire/injury
19Vehicle speed control12 crash/fire/injury
18Steering1 crash/fire/injury
14Service brakes
11Seats
11Power train
5112 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 37 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 36 | 6 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 32 | 7 |
| Structure | 22 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 12 |
| Steering | 18 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 6 |
| Seats | 11 | 1 |
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 51 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2018 Tesla Model X recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Driver monitoring: software
Risk. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as…
repaired · 2025 Q1
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
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…
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q3
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
Risk. Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q4
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Risk. Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Back over prevention: software
Risk. The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting,…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Tesla.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Model X year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Model X median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
16 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Tesla Model X, and the recalls they led to.
- Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting RequirementsOpen
- Battery Management Software UpdatesNo recall
- Sudden Unintended AccelerationNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Defect Petition Interlock RequestNo recall
- Sudden Unintended AccelerationOpen
- Loss of rearview cameraLed to recall 21V-035
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Autopilot System Driver ControlsLed to recall 23V-085
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsOpen
- Loss of rearview cameraNo recall
- Autopilot & First Responder ScenesNo recall
- Tesla Passenger PlayNo recall
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsNo recall
- Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engagedOpen
- Recall 23V838 Remedy EffectivenessOpen
In owners' words
What Model X owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Control arm squeaks. Only way Tesla fixes is to replace. Smoke fix is a 2$ grease application to ball joint but they charge 1500$. I have done it 2 times and now again happened.
During a recent inspection, the Tesla service center (at Los Gatos) informed me that my Model X is missing a suspension bolt, and they stated they do not now why and how it's missing. It is a serious safety hazard, as it may affect handling, stability, and safety. They asked me to get it fixed…
I was driving down the road and my car started shaking, I was about 5 or 6 miles from an exit so continued and within 1 mile a rod broke and fell on top of my tire causing me to catastrophically have to stop n swerve off the road in 5 o'clock traffic. I just purchased this car 3 months ago, no…
Own a 2018 Model X?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.