NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
This page covers 10 recalls and 266 owner complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model X.
Suspension and steering are the most-reported trouble spots for the 2017 Tesla Model X. Owners frequently describe steering that stiffens, binds, or becomes difficult to turn, and a subset report the steering wheel losing its connection to the wheels entirely, a complete mechanical disconnect that some owners say has happened more than once on the same vehicle. Pulling to one side and intermittent resistance during normal turns come up repeatedly as well. Suspension complaints round out the top of the list, though owners are less specific in describing what they notice there. The electrical system is the third most-cited area, with some owners reporting charging-session faults that lock the vehicle out of drive mode until the fault clears.
266
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Tesla Model X has 10 recalls, the most serious involving the Full Self-Driving Beta software, which can cause the vehicle to exceed speed limits, behave unpredictably at intersections, or roll through all-way stops without halting, raising the risk of a crash. A separate software issue can cause false forward-collision warnings or trigger the automatic emergency braking unexpectedly, bringing the car to a sudden stop in traffic.
On the steering side, the electric power steering system can lose its assist after hitting a pothole or rough pavement, making the wheel significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds. The Autosteer driver monitoring system has a related concern: when engaged, it may not adequately prompt the driver to stay attentive, and if the driver fails to take over when needed, a crash can result.
A worn center display processor can cause the rearview camera feed, defrost and defog controls, and exterior turn signals to stop working. The second-row left-side reclining seat back may not fully latch, and in a crash it can pitch forward and raise the risk of injury to occupants. The electric parking brake on some vehicles contains a gear that can fracture, potentially leaving the vehicle immobile.
Two lower-severity recalls round out the list: warning lights for the brakes and ABS display at a smaller font size than required, making them harder to read, and the seatbelt reminder chime and light may not activate when the driver is unbelted.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The seat belt warning light and chime may not activate when the driver is unbelted, failing to alert the driver to fasten their seat belt.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a software update over the air to fix the warning system so it activates properly for unbelted drivers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System warning lights on the instrument panel display in an incorrect font size, which does not meet federal brake system safety standards.
What the fix does
Tesla is releasing a free over-the-air software update to correct the warning light font size display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Autosteer controls may not be prominent or clear enough to prevent drivers from misusing this advanced driver-assistance feature when it's engaged.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over the air to improve how Autosteer controls are displayed and managed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The FSD Beta software may drive unsafely at intersections—going straight in turn-only lanes, not stopping at stop signs, or proceeding through yellow lights without caution. It may also not properly adjust for posted speed limits or account for driver speed changes above limits.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over the air to fix the FSD Beta system's intersection and speed-limit handling.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering assist system may stop working when driving on rough roads or hitting a pothole, leaving you with manual steering only.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over-the-air to recalibrate the power steering system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Full Self-Driving (Beta) software's rolling stop feature may allow the vehicle to pass through all-way stop intersections without fully stopping.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free over-the-air software update that disables the rolling stop functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software communication error may cause the forward-collision warning to activate falsely or trigger the automatic emergency brake system unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Tesla released a free over-the-air software update to fix the communication error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center display's memory storage device wears out over time and eventually loses data integrity, causing some display functions to stop working.
What the fix does
Tesla will replace the display control board with one containing an upgraded memory device that lasts longer, at no cost to owners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left-side second row seat back may not fully latch because the recliner mechanism cables are incorrectly adjusted, affecting seat safety.
What the fix does
Tesla service will adjust the left-side second row seat recliner mechanism cables to proper tension at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The internal gear in the electric parking brake calipers may be defectively manufactured and could break when you apply or release the parking brake.
What the fix does
Tesla will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.