2020 Tesla Model X Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 20%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Tesla Model X, 20% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11756594, filed 2026-08“While idling in drive having applied my foot to the break, the dash displayed H for holding the break. My car accelerated by itself forcefully into the vehicle in front. My seat belt did not lock up, air bags did not deploy, emergency braking didn’t work, the Tesla box report does not match the dash cam timeline. This was sudden unintended acceleration and I pray it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
NHTSA complaint #11459836, filed 2022-04“When I'm using the driving assistance on the highway, and I'm doing like 60 or 70 mph, all of a sudden the car brakes to 45mph if it (falsely) thinks we are in a construction zone I believe. I have almost gotten in 3 accidents because the car suddenly brakes hard on its own, without me braking.”
NHTSA complaint #11467935, filed 2022-06“On multiple occasions (between 6 and 10) while driving east and west on interstate highway 80 between Reno and Salt Lake City the vehicle executed a phantom braking maneuver while autopilot was engaged. I was east bound on 2/2/23 and 2/24/23 and west bound on 2/7/23 and 3/5/23, i.e., these events occurred on multiple days in multiple locations. On no occasion was there any danger of collision with another vehicle or other obstacle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11512898, filed 2023-03“I have experienced several issues with my car: It brakes suddenly for no reason in the middle of the freeway It displayed an error message that said the right rear seat safety system has failed and needs service It displayed an error message that said the ultrasonic sensors are not communicating with each other (I believe these are used for the driver safety systems). I reached out to Tesla asking to look into these issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11478914, filed 2022-08Related recalls
- 22V063000Feb 4, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played…Covers: Tesla Model X 2020–2022, Model 3 2017–2022, Model S 2020–2022 +1 more
- 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model X 2017–2021, Model S 2017–2021, Model 3 2017–2021 +1 more
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 57% |
| 2025 | 4 | 25% |
| 2024 | 9 | 33% |
| 2023 | 20 | 10% |
| 2022 | 21 | 16% |
| 2021 | 6 | 15% |
| 2020 | 25 | 20% |
| 2019 | 18 | 18% |
| 2018 | 32 | 17% |
| 2017 | 31 | 12% |
| 2016 | 24 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2020 Tesla Model X
37 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsLane departure
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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