2018 Tesla Model X Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 9%of 193 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Tesla Model X, 9% of the 193 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had a problem with steering wheel on my Tesla Model X 2018 After twice updating the software, my steering wheel became stiff when I turn it more than half a turn back and forth. I also changed the setting to light mode, but it didn't work. My vehicle is out of the manufacturer's warranty. I'm concerned about safety, as I won't be able to control the vehicle if it happens while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11619296, filed 2024-10“Initially I noticed an issue with notchy steering, which is typically caused by faulty u-joints in the steering column. I took the vehicle in for service on 2/14/23, and the service center confirmed the issue and replaced the lower steering column. Almost immediately after picking up the vehicle from service, I noticed a loud creaking sound coming from the suspension when the steering wheel was turned. …”
NHTSA complaint #11516840, filed 2023-04“After I started an update as requested on Tesla app, the car was giving error messages. I was able to drive but the errors were - 1. reduced steering assist 2. Autopilot and cruise control not available”
NHTSA complaint #11493620, filed 2022-11“2018 Tesla X with only 48k miles has lost power (electric) steering and controllability. This is a huge safety issue which I see in many, many other Tesla X reports on the NHTSA web sire. Tesla has acknowledge it a know issue however says they can’t get us an appointment to did the problem for until January 6th, 10 weeks from us contacting them. Totally unacceptable and they don’t care. There’s no warning lights, no other issues, just steering locks in 1/4 turn increments which I’m fairly sure is the steering “u joint” others have spoke about. …”
NHTSA complaint #11622087, filed 2024-10“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 five tires due to accelerated inner wall wear. 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561686, filed 2023-12Related recalls
- 23V085000Feb 15, 2023Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model X 2016–2023, Model S 2016–2023, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
- 22V818000Nov 1, 2022Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model X 2017–2021, Model S 2017–2021
- 22V037000Jan 27, 2022Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model X 2016–2022, Model S 2016–2022, Model 3 2017–2022 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208328Dec 10, 2021Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10203323Sep 21, 2021Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10203342Jul 2, 2021On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface…
- 10177030Jun 17, 2020Some Model S and Model X vehicles might exhibit stiff steering due to corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft U-joint.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 2 | 13% |
| 2024 | 3 | 11% |
| 2023 | 46 | 24% |
| 2022 | 44 | 34% |
| 2021 | 13 | 32% |
| 2020 | 18 | 14% |
| 2019 | 11 | 11% |
| 2018 | 18 | 9% |
| 2017 | 50 | 19% |
| 2016 | 58 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model X
42 complaintsSuspension
37 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsForward collision avoidance
32 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsLane departure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model X
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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