2018 Tesla Model X recalls and problems

The 2018 Tesla Model X has 9 safety recalls and 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer.

Recalls
9
Complaints
193
Crashes / fires
35 / 2
Injuries / deaths
16 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Tesla Model X vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Tesla Model X recalls

Recall 24V-376: Seat Belts

Reported May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Recall 24V-051: Electrical System

Reported Jan 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

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.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Recall 23V-838: Electrical System

Reported Dec 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Recall 23V-085: Steering

Reported Feb 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

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 crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Recall 22V-818: Steering

Reported Nov 1, 2022 · 40,168 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

Recall 22V-169: Back Over Prevention

Reported Mar 18, 2022 · 947 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

Recall 22V-037: Steering

Reported Jan 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Recall 21V-846: Forward Collision Avoidance

Reported Oct 29, 2021 · 11,728 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Recall 21V-035: Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting

Reported Jan 29, 2021 · 134,951 vehicles affected · Tesla, Inc.

Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

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, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

2018 Tesla Model X problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance47
Unknown or Other41
Electrical System37
Suspension37
Structure23
Vehicle Speed Control19
Steering18
Service Brakes14
Seats11
Power Train11
Air Bags8
Seat Belts8

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 20
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 20
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 17
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 10
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 5
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 2
  • Electrical System › Adas › Control Module — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 12,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Tesla Model X complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Sep 26, 2026
Following battery replacement under Service Order #XXX at a Tesla Service Center, my 2018 Tesla Model X 100D (VIN [XXX]) was returned with the underbody belly pan visibly detached and drooping toward the road surface. Fasteners were not reinstalled after service. Additional post-service issues include: recurring "Electrical System Power Reduced — Vehicle May Shut Down Unexpectedly" warnings, repeated touchscreen failure, and Falcon Wing doors opening while driving. None of these conditions existed before service. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety risk. I have photographic evidence…
Unknown or Other · reported Sep 11, 2026
I am reporting a serious FSD safety-related software issue. While FSD was engaged, my 2018 Model X 100D (HW3, software 2026.26.6.1, FSD 12.6.4) unexpectedly came to a complete stop in the middle of the street twice. Please do not treat this as a repair estimate. I am requesting that Tesla review the FSD telemetry/event logs for both incidents and escalate the issue to the FSD/Autopilot engineering team. The vehicle stopping in the middle of an active roadway creates a potential collision hazard. Please document this as an FSD safety complaint/software defect and confirm that the events have…
Electrical System · at 72,929 miles · reported Aug 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle became stuck in drive(D) and failed to shift to park(P). Due to the failure, the safety system locked the doors, and the contact was trapped inside the vehicle. The front end of the vehicle struck the garage door, causing damage to the garage door. The vehicle then rolled backwards and came to a complete stop after depressing the brake pedal. No air bags had deployed during the failure. The message “Self-Driving Feature Disabled” was displayed. A Police report was filed. No…
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Aug 16, 2026
My vehicle intermittently and without warning disables Autopilot/cruise control while driving, most consistently during hard acceleration from a stop or low speed. The touchscreen displays "Take Over Immediately" and Autopilot becomes completely unavailable for the remainder of the drive. The system only resets after the vehicle is parked and allowed to sit. This has occurred repeatedly over multiple weeks, documented via the vehicle's own Service Mode diagnostic logs, showing the following recurring fault codes occurring together, dozens of times between approximatelyXXX and XXX…
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Aug 3, 2026
While driving on FSD (Full Self Driving) the vehicle was turning off the road into a parking lot and sped up and hit a vehicle while I was pressing the brake to the floor! I had to brace for impact when I hit the vehicle. I have requested the data and telemetry logs from Tesla. Everything was fine before the crash. Husband had a similar incident a few weeks ago where he was turning with FSD engaged and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the turn with a vehicle coming right at him, he had the gas floored to get out of the way but was completely stopped, could not move for 15 seconds or so.

Other Tesla Model X years

Compare all Tesla Model X years · All Tesla models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Tesla Model X have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model X: 24V-376 (seat belts), 24V-051 (electrical system), 23V-838 (electrical system), 23V-085 (steering), 22V-818 (steering) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Tesla Model X?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (47 reports), followed by unknown or other (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 12,000 miles.

Are Tesla recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Tesla dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.