Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vehicle presents a compounded safety defect creating a risk of passenger entrapment and high-voltage fire. 1. High Voltage Manufacturing Defect: On September 3, 2024, authorized Tesla Service technicians diagnosed a critical safety fault. The service record states technicians 'found A/C compressor HV harness was incorrectly routed, rubbing against the steering column' and 'found sand inside the connector'. Tesla repaired this defects under the 'Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty,' confirming it was a factory assembly error. This defect created an imminent risk of a high-voltage short to the steering column, which could result in driver electrocution or total vehicle power loss at speed. 2. Passenger Entrapment: The vehicle has a documented history of Rear Falcon Wing Door failure (7 repair attempts from April 2023 to May 2025). The doors frequently fail to latch or open. …
A couple of days ago, when I was dropping off my child at school, I parked in a spot that required parallel parking to save time as I was in a rush. After reversing into the spot, I just needed to move forward a bit by 1-2 feet. I naturally slide the gear shift up on the screen. Unfortunately, it didn't slide into place, and the car was still in reverse (R), but I didn't realize it. I was already very close to the car behind me. When I pressed the accelerator, the car continued to back up. Luckily, I slammed the brake, avoiding a collision. Just wanted to share that even after a year and a half of driving a Model X, mistakes can still happen. After reading what happened to [redacted] , I posted what happened to me on a social platform and someone else shared they had a similar experience that needed up with a crash. So I decided to report mine and encouraged them to do the same. …
It is commonly known that the drive shafts on the Model X fail. This is not a wear component and should be a recall. The suspension is also part of this issue and there are after market solutions to fix the suspension that is causing the failure of the half shafts.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The contact stated there was a grinding and whining sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 30 MPH and the sound was constant. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front-end half-shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and had to be towed to a Tesla service center. Tesla's own technician confirmed multiple Battery Management System faults and an internal fault within the high voltage battery pack. A full HV battery replacement was required. The vehicle had been purchased 14 days prior and had only been driven approximately 723 miles at the time of the incident. …
The contact owned a 2018 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 17 MPH, the vehicle suddenly made a right turn and crashed into a bridge. No warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife did seek medical attention; however, she sustained minor whiplash. A police report was not filed, but a Police Department did report on scene. Upon further inspection, the contact arrived on scene and noticed that the Rear passenger-side tire had detached, possibly due to the axle. The vehicle was towed to a local Collision shop, where it was deemed a total loss. In addition, prior to the accident, the vehicle was taken to a local independent tire shop, where the front two Tire and Brake pads were replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model X equipped with Lexani Tires, Tire Line: LX-20 Performance, Tire Size: 265/45/R20, DOT Number: 1TBA7B95C3724. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. After the vehicle was inspected, the contact observed tread separation on the driver's side rear tire, and that the top tread portion of the tire was separating. Due to the tire failure, the vehicle became inoperable. Additionally, the transmission failed to properly shift into park(P), and there was a wiring harness failure following the failure. Due to the failure the vehicle was not drivable and required to be towed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model-X. The contact stated while parked in a parking lot, the contact depressed the brake pedal and was not sure if she had placed the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle accelerated backward and hit the back wall across from her parked vehicle. The vehicle trunk lid and the bumper were damaged and crumpled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer but was advised by the manufacturer to take the vehicle to a body shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would lurch forward when it would be placed into drive. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Tesla Model X years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (15), 2018 (11), 2017 (10) and 2020 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Tesla Model X transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Tesla Model X model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Tesla Model X transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 65% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (1).
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.