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2020 Tesla Model X problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Tesla Model X has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 128owner complaints
- 17crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 18%fail the UK MOT
128 complaints, against an average of 128 for the other 10 Tesla Model X model years.
Every Tesla Model X model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Tesla Model X?
The components named most often in the 128 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Tesla Model X owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 128 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2020 Tesla Model X?7 owners · 5.5%
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?6 owners · 4.7%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2020 Tesla Model X?6 owners · 4.7%
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X accelerate unexpectedly or surge?5 owners · 3.9%
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X brake suddenly for no reason?5 owners · 3.9%
- Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2020 Tesla Model X?5 owners · 3.9%
- Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X vibrate or shake while driving?5 owners · 3.9%
Has the 2020 Tesla Model X been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model X as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
How often does the 2020 Tesla Model X fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Tesla Model X owners report?
12 of the 128 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I own a 2020 Tesla Model X equipped with HW3 and Full Self-Driving (FSD). After a Tesla software/FSD update earlier in 2026, the vehicle began experiencing a recurring problem during FSD operation. The issue has now occurred more than 20 times. During certain FSD-controlled maneuvers, particularly when turning from a complete stop onto a higher-speed road, FSD commands unusually aggressive acceleration. During the acceleration, FSD abruptly aborts/disengages and the vehicle logs diagnostic fault code DI_w124. Cruise control and FSD then become unavailable. There is one particular location…
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. Under normal circumstances, when Autosteer disengages while I am driving, the vehicle provides an audible alert and a visual warning…
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…
My 2020 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] , approx. 121,000 miles) experienced a dangerous defect with the automatic front passenger door opening with excessive and uncontrolled force. I noticed this issue within the past three months. The vehicle's front doors are fully automated — the driver and passengers have no manual control over the force at which the door opens. Because of this, a person or object standing near the vehicle could be struck without warning and without any ability to stop or slow the door. The door was opening with such excessive force that it nearly struck a bystander on at…
When turning a loud cranking sound is heard and it makes it hard to turn. It as if something is stopping it from turning.
On 03/13/2026, while driving my 2020 Tesla Model X at approximately 65 mph on a freeway, the front hood (frunk lid) suddenly flew open without warning and slammed into the windshield. The hood rotated upward violently and struck the windshield completely blocking the driver’s forward visibility. This created an immediate safety hazard while traveling at highway speed. Prior to the incident there were no warning messages or alerts displayed on the vehicle screen indicating that the hood was open or improperly latched. Tesla vehicles normally provide a dashboard and a sound alert if the hood is…
I am submitting information regarding repair access and repair estimate concerns involving a Tesla vehicle after a collision. During an insurance claim handled by Tesla Insurance Company, a repair estimate from a Tesla-preferred repair facility was used to declare the vehicle a total loss. However, a manufacturer-owned repair facility estimate would be significantly lower and could make the vehicle repairable. When I attempted to obtain an inspection and estimate from a Tesla manufacturer repair facility, the appointment was cancelled after communication between the insurance company and the…
Making a loud squeaky noise and knocking while I turn. The noise is coming from the steering and front suspension arms I believe.
My 2020 Tesla Model X experiences severe vibration, shaking, and rattling during acceleration, especially between about 20–45 mph and at higher suspension settings. The vibration is strong enough to affect steering stability and safe control of the vehicle during acceleration and lane changes. Tesla has already replaced the front half-shafts twice under warranty for this same problem, but the issue has returned again. This is a known defect documented by Tesla in Service Bulletin SB-21-39-001, which describes excessive front drive unit half-shaft vibration during acceleration and defines the…
This is a major safety issue --- we got an error that steering assistance was "reduced" for about 12 hours. Then on [XXX] at around [XXX], we were pulling out of a parked area (after being parked for 2 hours) -- and proceeded to increase speed on [XXX] in Newark, the car steering wheel abruptly LOCKED ITSELF - you couldn't even move the steering wheel. It just locked and shut down completely. We proceeded to do a rest (hitting two scroll buttons) to reset the system over 5-6 times. Each time it takes about 10 mins to complete. It was pure HORROR - sitting on the road with cars just passing by…
Tesla updated my vehicle with FSD 12.5.2.1 and it is dangerous and should be recalled. The software is too much for my vehicles processor, it frequently freezes for as long as 10 seconds. This loses my speedometer, my signal information, and happened while merging and nearly caused me an accident. The lane keep assist has retrograded significantly, it often goes outside of the painted lines and is in danger of hitting curbs. The processor feels like it struggles to keep up, and the auto steer is unsettled and jerky as it changes its mind. Previous software worked great, Tesla is pushing the…
On [XXX] at [XXX] my 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus suddenly started braking while on the highway. I was driving 75MPH to San Diego from Arizona. There was no vehicles around or in front while using the cruise control. This also has been an issue with our 2023 Tesla Model Y and previous Model 3 while driving to Las Vegas at 70MPH. I really think this is safety concern. Luckily there was vehicles behind us with all incidents that took place. I recently took the 2020 Tesla Model X on [XXX] for the issue and the technician found no issues while driving it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…
2020 Tesla Model X: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Tesla Model X reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 128 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Tesla Model X; the most common categories were suspension (37, 28.9%), electrical system (28, 21.9%), forward collision avoidance (25, 19.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 17 complaints mention a crash, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Tesla Model X?
Across 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are suspension (28.9% of complaints), electrical system (21.9% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (19.5% of complaints), steering (14.1% of complaints), vehicle speed control (14.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Tesla Model X have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model X. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2020 Tesla Model X?
7 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (5.5%) describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. One owner wrote: "Slowed down to make a right turn at approximately 10 mph then heard a loud pop in the rear drivers side wheel. Noticed that wheel no longer had traction." (NHTSA complaint 11580576, April 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
6 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (4.7%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "Just paid to replace the upper control arms and half shafts on my 2020 Tesla Model X. These repairs were required due to a very loud shudder and squeaking noise while driving. These issues came up 6 weeks after my manufacturer warranty expired." (NHTSA complaint 11574640, February 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2020 Tesla Model X?
6 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (4.7%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "While cruise control is activated, the car brakes aggressively for no reason. This has happened multiple times in the last few months. I saw that news articles mention model 3, y and s but this is a model X and it is happening on this model as well." (NHTSA complaint 11452710, February 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
5 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (3.9%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11459836, April 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X brake suddenly for no reason?
5 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (3.9%) describe sudden, unexpected automatic braking ("phantom braking"). One owner wrote: "While on autopilot or cruise control, the car would suddenly and abruptly slam on the brakes for no reason. There's no traffic or objects to avoid." (NHTSA complaint 11450207, February 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2020 Tesla Model X?
5 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (3.9%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. One owner wrote: "Hello - I'm having extreme Inner tire wear on rear tires due to a bad camber arm design on my Tesla model X. The negative chamber is way outside of normal standards. I had an issue recently where my tire blew out. I did not notice until I had to replace it." (NHTSA complaint 11666971, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Tesla Model X vibrate or shake while driving?
5 of the 128 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Tesla Model X (3.9%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "Tesla model X is infamous for its acceleration shudder. they have replaced the drive shafts twice already. when you accelerate the wheel vibrates only between 15-35 mph. When you brake hard it does the same thing." (NHTSA complaint 11481860, August 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Model X
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MODEL X (ALL VARIANTS 5-SEAT), MODEL X (ALL VARIANTS 6-SEAT) and MODEL X (ALL VARIANTS 7PSGR).