2017 Tesla Model X Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 268 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Tesla Model X, 6% of the 268 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle experienced a multiple-system failure. Warning lights indicated loss of steering assist, loss of cruise control, loss of braking assist, and other safety features. A reset of the computer rectified the issue, but only temporarily, and the software fails again and again. In failure mode, which comes on unpredictably, the brakes make a terrible grinding sound and are not as effective in stopping the car. This is a major safety concern. The onset of these failures is usually when the car is moving and occurs randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #11350295, filed 2020-08, 75,000 miles“When the car is parked then put in reverse, the car makes a loud cracking noise. I was told it was brakes that were cleaned up but still make a loud noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11376715, filed 2020-11, 30,000 miles“Highly repeatable issue: driving on left lane of a highway going at high speed (60) with adaptive cruise control enabled (but *not* full self drive mode). Put on turn signal to merge into right lane. There was a car in the right lane directly next to me but I had not initiated the merge, was merely signaling my intent to merge. My car SLAMMED on the breaks (very dangerous as I was almost rear ended the first time by a 18 wheeler). …”
NHTSA complaint #11487037, filed 2022-09“The vehicle brakes are aggressively applied at random times when traveling on the freeway. This only appears to happen when the vehicles TACC (Traffic Aware Cruise Control) is enabled. Thankfully I have not been rear ended yet. My family's safety is in danger when TACC is enabled. Not only am I concerned we could be rear ended, but I am concerned someone could think I am brake checking them and then proceed to act violently (road rage). …”
NHTSA complaint #11474468, filed 2022-07“Now I know it's called Phantom or Ghost Breaking. When in cruise control or in autopilot, in certain highway areas from 65 or 70, it breaks down to 25 mph. Cars behind gets dangerously close, as well as the royal scare face I get! There has been two major updates since I bought it, and it still does the same. Since, more or less, I know the highway spots where it happens, I'm ready for it. However, when traveling elsewhere I'm not that lucky. At those high speeds it cam potential cause harm or even death!”
NHTSA complaint #11642663, filed 2025-02Related recalls
- 17V260000Apr 19, 2017Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly…Covers: Tesla Model X 2016–2017, Model S 2012–2016
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 2 | 13% |
| 2024 | 2 | 7% |
| 2023 | 12 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 8 | 6% |
| 2019 | 9 | 9% |
| 2018 | 14 | 7% |
| 2017 | 17 | 6% |
| 2016 | 24 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2017 Tesla Model X
72 complaintsSuspension
59 complaintsOther or unknown
50 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsForward collision avoidance
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsLane departure
14 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
12 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Tesla Model X
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology