2020 Tesla Model X Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 6, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

I own a 2020 Tesla Model X equipped with HW3 and Full Self-Driving (FSD). After a Tesla software/FSD update earlier in 2026, the vehicle began experiencing a recurring problem during FSD operation. The issue has now occurred more than 20 times. During certain FSD-controlled maneuvers, particularly when turning from a complete stop onto a higher-speed road, FSD commands unusually aggressive acceleration. During the acceleration, FSD abruptly aborts/disengages and the vehicle logs diagnostic fault code DI_w124. Cruise control and FSD then become unavailable. There is one particular location where the condition is highly reproducible. FSD turns from a stop onto a road with a 50 mph speed limit, rapidly accelerates the vehicle, then triggers DI_w124 and aborts. Tesla previously inspected the vehicle for this issue and advised that the vehicle hardware checked out normally. The problem has nevertheless continued through subsequent Tesla software updates. After another recent software update, I tested the same maneuver again on [XXX], and the same DI_w124/FSD abort occurred. The problem did not occur prior to the earlier software/FSD update and appears to be associated with FSD-controlled acceleration rather than a general vehicle hardware failure. I am concerned that a driver-assistance system commanding aggressive acceleration and then unexpectedly disabling itself during the maneuver presents a potential safety risk, particularly when entering a 50 mph roadway or merging into traffic. Tesla has previously inspected the hardware but the condition remains unresolved. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether other 2019–2020 Tesla Model S/X HW3 vehicles are experiencing the same DI_w124 fault during FSD-controlled acceleration. here is a link to the video that was taken a few months ago. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: September 1, 2026 · Filed: September 6, 2026

The seat belt in the middle row of the 6 seater model X can get wrapped under the seat and locked, creating a very dangerous situation for children or anyone sitting in that seat. The seats in the 6 seater middle row Do Not fold down, and there's no way to release this seatbelt once it gets locked

Incident: September 30, 2025 · Filed: September 4, 2026

Horn stopped working

Incident: September 2, 2026 · Filed: September 2, 2026

On September 2, 2026 at 2:25 PM, my 2020 Tesla Model X Performance was operating under Tesla Smart Summon in a parking lot in Carrollton, Texas. I was outside the vehicle, maintained a clear line of sight at all times, and actively supervised the vehicle through the Tesla mobile app. No one was inside the Tesla. While Smart Summon was pulling the vehicle out of a parking space and turning into the driving aisle, the passenger side of my Tesla contacted the rear corner of an adjacent stationary parked vehicle. As soon as I observed the contact, I immediately stopped the Smart Summon operation. Both vehicles sustained property damage. The adjacent vehicle had been stationary and visible throughout the maneuver. I am reporting this because Smart Summon failed to maintain sufficient clearance from a stationary parked vehicle while maneuvering out of the parking space.

Incident: August 7, 2026 · Filed: August 12, 2026

While driving my Tesla Model X on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle began intermittently displaying false warnings that the trunk was open. This occurred multiple times during the drive and appears to have been caused by a malfunctioning trunk latch sensor. At the time, I was using Autosteer, part of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system. Each time the false trunk-open condition occurred, Autosteer immediately and unexpectedly disengaged. Under normal circumstances, when Autosteer disengages while I am driving, the vehicle provides an audible alert and a visual warning instructing the driver to take control immediately. During these incidents, neither warning occurred. There was no audible alert and no visual notification informing me that Autosteer had disengaged or that I needed to immediately resume steering. The system simply stopped providing automatic steering assistance. Because there was no warning that Autosteer had disengaged, I did not immediately realize that the vehicle was no longer maintaining its lane. The vehicle drifted into the adjacent lane before I recognized what had happened and regained control. Fortunately, there was no vehicle in the adjacent lane. Had another vehicle been present, this could have resulted in a collision. This occurred multiple times during the drive. The false trunk-open warning repeatedly caused Autosteer to disengage without the normal audible or visual disengagement warnings. My primary safety concern is not simply the malfunctioning trunk latch sensor. The safety concern is that a failure of an unrelated trunk latch sensor can cause Autosteer to suddenly disengage at highway speed without providing the driver with an audible or visual warning that automatic steering assistance has been lost. In my case, this failure mode resulted in an unintended lane departure. A relatively minor sensor malfunction should not be capable of causing an unannounced loss of automatic steering assistance.

Incident: May 30, 2026 · Filed: May 30, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to you once again to emphasize and provide additional details regarding the critical safety issue I previously addressed concerning the Tesla Model X vehicles, which is similarly affecting Tesla Model S models. My personal experience underscores the severity of this problem: I have had to replace six tires due to accelerated inner wall wear in the last 5 months. This specific wear pattern is a direct result of improper camber alignment, an issue that Tesla has continuously refused to rectify. This problem is not isolated to my vehicle alone. A growing number of Tesla Model X and Model S owners have reported similar experiences, indicating a widespread and systemic issue. The accelerated inner wall tire wear poses significant safety risks, as it can lead to unexpected and dangerous tire failures on the road. Despite the clear evidence and numerous complaints from Tesla owners, Tesla has consistently declined to address this issue adequately. It appears that the company’s reluctance is rooted in the fact that proper repair or recall to fix the camber alignment is not cost-effective from their perspective. However, this cost-cutting measure is putting drivers and passengers at risk. Given the scale and gravity of this issue, I urge the National Highway Safety Institute to take immediate action. It is essential to investigate these recurring problems with both the Tesla Model X and Model S models. The safety of Tesla drivers, passengers, and the general public is at stake, and a thorough investigation could compel Tesla to take the necessary corrective actions. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety matter. I trust that the National Highway Safety Institute will act promptly to ensure automotive safety and hold manufacturers accountable for their vehicles’ reliability and safety.

Incident: April 7, 2026 · Filed: May 8, 2026

While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and had to be towed to a Tesla service center. Tesla's own technician confirmed multiple Battery Management System faults and an internal fault within the high voltage battery pack. A full HV battery replacement was required. The vehicle had been purchased 14 days prior and had only been driven approximately 723 miles at the time of the incident. Safety of driver and passengers was at risk due to unexpected loss of power and loss of accelerator response while driving at speed.

Incident: April 29, 2026 · Filed: April 29, 2026

My 2020 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] , approx. 121,000 miles) experienced a dangerous defect with the automatic front passenger door opening with excessive and uncontrolled force. I noticed this issue within the past three months. The vehicle's front doors are fully automated — the driver and passengers have no manual control over the force at which the door opens. Because of this, a person or object standing near the vehicle could be struck without warning and without any ability to stop or slow the door. The door was opening with such excessive force that it nearly struck a bystander on at least one occasion. This posed a clear and immediate safety hazard to anyone standing near the vehicle. When I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service, their own technician documented the issue in the repair notes as a "safety concern." The technician confirmed the cause was a defective door drive unit and a corroded connector in the wiring harness. Tesla replaced the right front door drive unit and the associated wiring harness. Tesla charged me over $1,000 to repair this defect, despite the fact that their own technician's notes explicitly identify this as a safety concern — not normal wear. I believe this is a manufacturing defect that should be covered under a safety recall or goodwill reimbursement, and I am reporting it here so that NHTSA can investigate whether other Tesla Model X vehicles share this defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether a safety recall is warranted for this component. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 4, 2025 · Filed: March 21, 2026

When turning a loud cranking sound is heard and it makes it hard to turn. It as if something is stopping it from turning.

Incident: March 13, 2026 · Filed: March 16, 2026

On 03/13/2026, while driving my 2020 Tesla Model X at approximately 65 mph on a freeway, the front hood (frunk lid) suddenly flew open without warning and slammed into the windshield. The hood rotated upward violently and struck the windshield completely blocking the driver’s forward visibility. This created an immediate safety hazard while traveling at highway speed. Prior to the incident there were no warning messages or alerts displayed on the vehicle screen indicating that the hood was open or improperly latched. Tesla vehicles normally provide a dashboard and a sound alert if the hood is not properly latched before driving. No such warning occurred. The vehicle’s front camera recorded the incident. The video does not show any hood movement or flutter prior to the failure, suggesting that the hood was fully closed before the event. After the incident, Tesla service personnel inspected the vehicle. The technician stated that the hood may not have been properly latched prior to driving. However: The vehicle gave no dashboard warning No hood movement or vibration was visible prior to the event The hood opened suddenly and violently rather than gradually If the secondary latch alone had been holding the hood, some hood movement or vibration would normally be expected prior to full release. Safety Concern A hood opening at highway speed that: occurs without warning results in complete loss of forward visibility presents a severe safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. This type of failure could easily cause a high-speed crash. Video evidence of the incident at: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)