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Tesla · Known Issues

2020 Tesla Model X Problems: 10 Known Issues

2020 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Tesla Model X has 10 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear ($300-$1,600 repair), Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving ($0-$0 repair), Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall) ($0-$0 repair) and Large Drive Unit Bearing Whine / Motor Failure ($1,500-$9,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $85 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Model X Suspension2
  • Model X Safety/Recalls1
  • Model X Steering1
  • Model X Drivetrain1
  • Model X Body/Panels2
  • Model X Electrical2
  • Model X Exterior1
  • Recalls31
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension2
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Steering1
  • Drivetrain1
Body/Panels
2
  • Electrical2
  • Exterior1
  • Recalls31
  • FAQ
  • All 10 Known Issues

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    ALL YEARS2024202320222021202020192018201720162015

    On the 2016-2022 Tesla Model X, model X front (and to a lesser extent rear) control arm assemblies are widely reported to prematurely wear, loosen, or crack. The most common complaint is a clunking or creaking noise from the front suspension over bumps, traced to water intrusion into the upper control arm ball joint / bushing. Owners and a class-action complaint allege the fore and aft links wear early; in severe cases a failed control arm compromises steering stability. The heavy curb weight of the Model X accelerates ball-joint and bushing wear versus lighter EVs.

    Common Symptoms

    • Clunking or knocking over bumps
    • Creaking from front suspension
    • Loose or vague steering
    • Uneven or premature tire wear
    • Noise worse in cold/wet weather

    How to Fix

    Have the front upper and lower fore/aft links inspected for play and torn bushings when any clunk or creak develops. Replace worn control arms in axle pairs (Tesla or reputable aftermarket links); the fix is a straightforward R&R with an alignment afterward. Catching it early prevents ball-joint separation. Some repairs may be covered under Tesla's suspension goodwill/warranty adjustments.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • Unplugged Performance Model X and Plaid Front Upper Control Arm Set Ultimate Edition

      2021+ complete upper-control-arm upgrade branch after upper-arm failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2021+ refreshed Tesla Model X and Model X Plaid, replacing Tesla 1027322-00-F and 1027327-00-F families; buyer must select the com…

      Unplugged Performance
    • Unplugged Performance Model X Front Lower Compliance Fore and Lateral Aft Arm Set

      lower-link branch only when inspection identifies failed lower fore and/or lateral-aft components Fitment/availability: Tesla Model X configuration selected on the manufacturer page; includes lower compliance fore and lateral-aft arms, n…

      Unplugged Performance

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,600

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2023 Tesla Model X, the Model X's standard adaptive air suspension develops air leaks at the air struts, fittings, or valve block, plus compressor wear, causing a corner (usually a front) to sag overnight, slow self-leveling, and 'suspension will not raise / needs service' warnings. Height-sensor faults can mimic a leak by commanding bleed-down. Compressor failure is often driven by moisture ingress causing internal rust or winter freezing.

    Common Symptoms

    • One corner sags when parked
    • 'Suspension will not raise' / needs service alert
    • Slow leveling or won't reach set height
    • Compressor runs constantly or is noisy
    • Ride height error messages

    How to Fix

    Diagnose the pattern first: confirm which corner drops, soap-test struts/lines for leaks, verify compressor build pressure and duty cycle, and check height-sensor plausibility before buying parts. Repairs range from replacing a leaking air strut/spring or valve block to a new air suspension compressor. Replace the compressor's air dryer to prevent repeat moisture failures.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • Arnott P-3509 WABCO Air Suspension Compressor with Dryer and Relay

      legacy-system compressor branch only after the leak source is repaired and compressor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2016 through October 21, 2019 Tesla Model X using OE-family 1027911-00-H / Arnott P-3509; verify VIN, build …

      EVANNEX

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X, model X vehicles using Autopilot or FSD have reported 'phantom braking' - sudden, unprompted hard braking or deceleration when no obstacle is present. With radar removed from post-2021 cars (Tesla Vision, camera-only), shadows, glare, overpasses, and oncoming traffic can trigger false automatic emergency braking. It was part of a large software recall and a multi-year NHTSA investigation (since closed as incidents declined with software updates).

    Common Symptoms

    • Sudden unexpected braking with no obstacle
    • Deceleration under overpasses/shadows
    • Collision-warning chime with clear road
    • Speed drops on Autopilot without input

    How to Fix

    Keep the car on the latest firmware, which progressively reduced phantom-braking events. Report recurring events to Tesla so they are logged. Drivers should keep hands on the wheel and be ready to override with the accelerator. No hardware repair is required; the remedy is delivered as over-the-air software updates (free).

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2017-2021 Tesla Model X, tesla recalled 40,000+ Model S and Model X vehicles from 2017-2021 because the electronic power steering assist can suddenly stop working after hitting a pothole or driving on rough roads, causing a sudden increase in steering effort and higher crash risk. A separate earlier recall covered pre-October-2016 cars where power-steering mounting bolts corrode in cold/salt climates.

    Common Symptoms

    • Sudden heavy/stiff steering
    • 'Power steering assist reduced' warning
    • Loss of assist after a pothole or bump
    • Steering effort increases at low speed

    How to Fix

    Confirm your VIN against the NHTSA/Tesla recall and get the free remedy (an over-the-air firmware calibration update and/or hardware inspection at a service center). Do not ignore a 'power steering assist reduced' warning; the car remains steerable but requires much greater effort. Repairs under recall are free regardless of age or mileage.

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    Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X, earlier Model X drive units can develop a progressive hum, whine, or drone that rises with road speed, caused by worn rotor bearings inside the motor (the bearings spin up to ~22,000 RPM). The noise is present regardless of throttle position and independent of road surface, distinguishing it from tire noise. Left unaddressed, bearing wear can escalate to full drive-unit failure. Tesla historically replaces the complete unit rather than the bearing.

    Common Symptoms

    • Hum/whine that rises with speed
    • Noise constant regardless of throttle
    • Drone at steady highway speed
    • Grinding in later stages
    • Reduced power / drive unit fault

    How to Fix

    Have the noise diagnosed early: a specialist can sometimes replace the worn bearings with ceramic units for a fraction of a full swap. If caught late, Tesla replaces the complete Large Drive Unit (roughly $5,000-$9,000 out of warranty). Drive-unit failures within the 8yr/unlimited-mile powertrain warranty are covered. Address any speed-correlated whine before it worsens.

    Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $9,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2023 Tesla Model X, the Model X's motorized front-door handles (which auto-present as you approach and retract when driving) frequently jam, fail to extend, or present but won't unlatch the door. Root causes include worn handle drive gears, debris, a jammed retraction mechanism, or a failed door pop actuator. Owners are locked out or trapped-in until they use the app or interior manual release, and lemon-law complaints span 2019-2023+.

    Common Symptoms

    • Handle doesn't present on approach
    • Handle presents but door won't open
    • Handle stuck extended or won't retract
    • Grinding/whirring from door on entry
    • Must use app or manual release to enter

    How to Fix

    Run the door-handle calibration in the touchscreen (requires software 2023.12+) and reboot the computer as a first step. Persistent failures require replacing the handle drive unit/actuator gears or the exterior release module. In the meantime, open with the Tesla app or the interior manual release. Keep firmware current, as several handle bugs were addressed in software.

    Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2015-2024 Tesla Model X, the signature Falcon-Wing rear doors on Model X are notoriously trouble-prone — symptoms include doors refusing to open, opening too slowly, getting stuck mid-cycle, mis-detecting obstacles, hitting low ceilings, and squeaking. Tesla revised door hardware multiple times (Gen 1 → Gen 2 → Gen 3 latch mechanism). Issue persists across years but Gen 3 (post-2019) is noticeably more reliable.

    This issue also affects: Lucid Air, Polestar Polestar 2, Tesla Cybertruck

    Common Symptoms

    • door wont open
    • door stuck
    • door hits ceiling
    • squeak
    • slow door

    How to Fix

    Tesla service centers can recalibrate doors free if symptoms present; out-of-warranty hardware replacement can be $1,500-$3,000 per door. Latch assembly $400-$800 part; replacement procedure is involved. Sometimes "manual close" mode is a temporary workaround.

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Manually Verified
    High Confidence

    On the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X, legacy Model X vehicles use a small 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery (AtlasBX/Hankook 85B24LS, 45Ah) that powers low-voltage systems. It commonly degrades in 2-4 years and can fail with little warning. When it dies, the car may not wake/start, doors may lock out, screens go dead, and charging can be blocked. A 'Replace 12V battery soon' / '12V battery needs service' alert typically precedes total failure by only days.

    Common Symptoms

    • '12V battery needs service' alert
    • Car won't wake or start
    • Doors/handles unresponsive
    • Screens dead on entry
    • Charging won't initiate

    How to Fix

    Replace the 12V battery promptly when the warning appears (do not wait weeks). Use the OEM AtlasBX/Hankook 85B24LS or a quality equivalent; many owners upgrade to a lithium replacement (e.g., Ohmmu) for longer life. Keep the car on a low-voltage-friendly maintenance routine. Note BMS DTCs BMS_f151/BMS_w151 or GTW_w017 indicate the 12V system is failing.

    Typical repair cost:$85 - $400

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X, a yellow band or border develops around the perimeter of the center touchscreen. It is not a failed LCD but a breakdown of the adhesive/laminate layer bonding the display, aggravated by heat and UV exposure. It affects both MCU1 and MCU2 units and is largely cosmetic, though widespread and persistent. Some owners report recurrence after repair.

    Common Symptoms

    • Yellow band around edge of touchscreen
    • Discoloration worsens over time/heat
    • Border reappears after prior fix

    How to Fix

    Tesla's fix is a UV-light fixture treatment that cures the discolored adhesive in ~2-3 hours; it is free during the warranty period but requires a service center with the UV tool (cannot be done by mobile service). Owners out of warranty can use DIY/third-party UV curing kits. Full display replacement is only needed if UV treatment fails to hold.

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X, the Model X's oversized one-piece panoramic windshield (the largest in production) is prone to cracking from minor rock/stone impacts and to delamination (bubbling/cloudy separation between glass layers), sometimes starting at the edges. Because the glass is huge, curved, and integrates the wiper and sensor mounts, replacement is expensive and often has long parts lead times. Some delamination cases have been covered under warranty as a manufacturing defect.

    Common Symptoms

    • Crack spreading from a small chip
    • Bubbling or cloudy patch in glass
    • Cloudiness/separation at windshield edges
    • Distorted view through glass
    • Whistling/wind noise near delaminated area

    How to Fix

    Small chips outside the driver's critical vision area can sometimes be resin-repaired if addressed immediately. Cracks and any delamination require full windshield replacement using an OEM panoramic unit and recalibration of the forward camera/ADAS. Document delamination early and pursue warranty/goodwill coverage; a quality PPF or windshield film reduces future chip risk.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit 600001

      immediate resin-repair branch only after the chip is confirmed eligible Fitment/availability: laminated windshield with one clean outer-layer chip meeting the manufacturer's limits: best on round damage no more than one inch and cracks n…

      Advance Auto Parts

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$1,000 - $2,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
    NHTSA Recalls31 recalls

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

    Tesla, 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 available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

    Campaign #22V03700027/01/2022

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

    Campaign #23V83800012/12/2023

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and will not display a warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Campaign #23V67900011/10/2023

    STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Campaign #23V74300003/11/2023

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Campaign #22V23500012/04/2022

    + 26 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Tesla Model X problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Tesla Model X has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear, Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving, Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Tesla Model X reliable?

    The 2020 Tesla Model X has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear and Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving and Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall) and Large Drive Unit Bearing Whine / Motor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

    How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model X problems?

    Repair costs for known Tesla Model X issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear, typically costs $300-$1,600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2016-2022 Tesla Model X Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear?

    Model X front (and to a lesser extent rear) control arm assemblies are widely reported to prematurely wear, loosen, or crack. The most common complaint is a clunking or creaking noise from the front suspension over bumps, traced to water intrusion into the upper control arm ball… Repairs typically run $300-$1,600. Severity: high.

    What is the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving?

    Model X vehicles using Autopilot or FSD have reported 'phantom braking' - sudden, unprompted hard braking or deceleration when no obstacle is present. With radar removed from post-2021 cars (Tesla Vision, camera-only), shadows, glare, overpasses, and oncoming traffic can trigger… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

    What is the 2017-2021 Tesla Model X Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall)?

    Tesla recalled 40,000+ Model S and Model X vehicles from 2017-2021 because the electronic power steering assist can suddenly stop working after hitting a pothole or driving on rough roads, causing a sudden increase in steering effort and higher crash risk. A separate earlier reca… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

    What is the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X Large Drive Unit Bearing Whine / Motor Failure?

    Earlier Model X drive units can develop a progressive hum, whine, or drone that rises with road speed, caused by worn rotor bearings inside the motor (the bearings spin up to ~22,000 RPM). The noise is present regardless of throttle position and independent of road surface, disti… Repairs typically run $1,500-$9,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2016-2023 Tesla Model X Air Suspension Leak, Sagging Ride Height & Compressor Failure?

    The Model X's standard adaptive air suspension develops air leaks at the air struts, fittings, or valve block, plus compressor wear, causing a corner (usually a front) to sag overnight, slow self-leveling, and 'suspension will not raise / needs service' warnings. Height-sensor fa… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X Panoramic Windshield Cracking & Delamination?

    The Model X's oversized one-piece panoramic windshield (the largest in production) is prone to cracking from minor rock/stone impacts and to delamination (bubbling/cloudy separation between glass layers), sometimes starting at the edges. Because the glass is huge, curved, and int… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,500. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2016-2023 Tesla Model X Front Door Auto-Presenting Handle Fails to Present / Retract?

    The Model X's motorized front-door handles (which auto-present as you approach and retract when driving) frequently jam, fail to extend, or present but won't unlatch the door. Root causes include worn handle drive gears, debris, a jammed retraction mechanism, or a failed door pop… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2015-2024 Tesla Model X Model X Falcon-Wing Door Faults?

    The signature Falcon-Wing rear doors on Model X are notoriously trouble-prone — symptoms include doors refusing to open, opening too slowly, getting stuck mid-cycle, mis-detecting obstacles, hitting low ceilings, and squeaking. Tesla revised door hardware multiple times (Gen 1 →… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X 12V Auxiliary Battery Premature Failure?

    Legacy Model X vehicles use a small 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery (AtlasBX/Hankook 85B24LS, 45Ah) that powers low-voltage systems. It commonly degrades in 2-4 years and can fail with little warning. When it dies, the car may not wake/start, doors may lock out, screens go dead,… Repairs typically run $85-$400. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X Touchscreen Yellow Border / Band Discoloration?

    A yellow band or border develops around the perimeter of the center touchscreen. It is not a failed LCD but a breakdown of the adhesive/laminate layer bonding the display, aggravated by heat and UV exposure. It affects both MCU1 and MCU2 units and is largely cosmetic, though wide… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.

    Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.