Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Tesla Model X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On May 30, on a 55 mph highway, my Tesla Model X was traveling at highway speed in thick traffic. The vehicle was using cruise control, but not auto pilot. In other words, the auto steering function was not engaged. A vehicle that the Tesla Model X was following came to a sudden, unexpected stop. I applied the brake pedal with full force. The anti-lock brakes engaged and the brakes began pulsing (normal anti-lock brake behavior). However, while the brake pedal was depressed with full force, the anti-lock brakes stopped pulsing and the brake pads disengaged from the rotors. The car coasted as if the brake pedal was not depressed. The brake failure resulted in a frontal collision with the stopped vehicle. A police report was filed at the scene of the crash. There were no physical injuries and the Tesla Model X was driveable after the incident. …
My 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN [redacted] ) was manufactured in March 2016 according to the sticker on the driver door. My car is experiencing the same issue as the Tesla Service Bulletin #SB-17-33-002 under NHTSA's recall # 17V2600 when putting the vehicle into drive or reverse from park. Tesla is stating they can not perform the service work because there is no recall specifically for my VIN# even though the car is showing the same error messages on the diagnostics screen and showing the same symptoms and failure as the recall and service bulletin. The repair requires the replacement of the parking brake calipers which is a safety issue if not replaced which could result in not properly functioning when needed. The vehicle is available for inspection. …
I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side of the road. I then discovered that I could not use the parking brake or turn on the flashers. There is no manual parking brake, and the car thought it was still driving. I was facing downhill and the only way to keep the car from rolling was to keep my foot on the brake. I had to call 911 and could only safely exit the vehicle, after they had ensured it would not roll. Again, I could not exit the vehicle, or even put on flashers to warn traffic. …
Electronic parking brake error messages. 1. when powertrain is selected from park to drive, error message says, parking brake may not have fully disengaged. 2. other occasional times when powertrain is selected from drive to park, error message says, parking brake may not have engaged in each of the above cases, i can hear the parking brake servos engaging / disengaging but error messages are concerning telsa recommends replacing parking brake units, estimate is over $1300 for both rear wheels i also came across this NHTSA recall, my car was delivered 2016 dec, nto sure of the date of manufacture. both dates fall into the NHTSA recall recommendation. have sent this recall doc to tesla service as well, waiting for feedback https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V260-5503.PDF
The Model S and X has a recall for vehicles from 2015 to October 2016 builds. The recall is about the "parking break not released" when shifting to drive. My Model X is built in November 2016 and occasionally gets the warning of "parking break not released" from time to time. I would like to aware you guys and to please look into this issue that im facing. It may help if you guys over at NHTSA can look into what parking break Part numbers are installed on models earlier than my November 2016 built. Thanks!
I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple follow-up appointments and additional repairs, the problem was never resolved.
Hi, the car isn't allowing me to drive because I get a notification saying "Parking brake not applied, Vehicle may free roll". It's been getting worse each day. I see that Tesla recalled this issue for models from October and older. My Model X is a November baby however I believe the calipers are the same from the October and older models. Please help [redacted]
Display MCU1 is unsafe or at end of life and unsafe locks up goes dark and unresponsive for long periods of time, unable to drive sometimes my my car is under warranty either they should fix it or upgrade it, I was told I need to upgrade it but my car is still under new car bumper to bumper warranty either fix it or replace it, if MCU1 doesn't work then replace it with MCU2 and honor the new car bumper to bumper warranty
On several the vehicle suddenly automatically brakes and warns there is an obstacle ahead when there is no such obstacle. Happens often on curved roads but also on straight always or even freeway with no vehicle or obstacle to be seen. Estimate it happens several times a month/a time or two a week.
I had an interaction with this vehicle on snow/ice packed I70 in Colorado, almost to the Kansas border. This car passed me, then immediately cut in front of my truck in the right lane and quickly slowed to about 10 mph with no warning. The car then pulled over onto the snow packed shoulder.
Related recalls
Parking brake
Tesla, 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 manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018.
Brake complaints in other Model X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Tesla Model X, 5% of the model year's 450 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Tesla Model X brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-260 (parking brake, Apr 19, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Tesla Model X brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.