2020 Tesla Model x problems

General information about Tesla-Model x
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Tesla Model X is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV built by Tesla, Inc. since 2015. Developed from the full-sized sedan platform of the Tesla Model S, the vehicle notably uses falcon wing doors for passenger access.

The Model X has an EPA size class as an SUV, and shares around 30 percent of its content with the Model S, half of the originally planned 60 percent, and weighs about 10 percent more. Both the Model X and Model S are produced at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. The prototype was unveiled at Tesla's design studios in Hawthorne, California on February 9, 2012. First deliveries of the Model X began in September 2015. After one full year on the market, in 2016, the Model X ranked seventh among the world's best-selling plug-in cars. A refresh of the Tesla Model X was introduced in 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.

As of September 2023, the Model X is available as a Long-Range version with an estimated EPA range of 348 miles (560 km) and a high performance "Plaid" version with an estimated EPA range of 333 miles (536 km).

Social links

Common 2020 Tesla Model x problems

The Tesla Model X, despite being a popular luxury SUV, is not without its common problems. Here are some of the issues that owners have reported, based on complaints and reviews from various sources:

MCU (Media Control Unit) Failure: The MCU is responsible for managing various functions in the Tesla Model X, including the stereo and temperature control. Some owners have reported issues with the MCU freezing or becoming unresponsive. Tesla may repair or upgrade the MCU under warranty, and updating the software can help prevent certain problems.
Control Arm Issues: Control arm problems can affect the suspension system of the Model X, leading to issues with ride quality and handling. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch these issues early. If your Model X is making strange noises or is difficult to drive, have a professional check the control arms.
In-Car App Issues: Tesla's in-car applications are designed to provide convenience and enjoyment, but some owners have reported issues with crashes and improper loading. If the app problems persist after updating the firmware, try performing a soft reset. If the issues persist, contact Tesla's help desk.
Problematic Safety Features: Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are two of Tesla's cutting-edge safety features, but some Model X drivers have reported issues with the autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping functions. Always use the most recent software for your car, and if troubles remain, contact Tesla support.
Battery Drain: Some Model X owners have reported issues with the battery draining too quickly, leading to the car falling short of the advertised range. This issue is further compounded by the fact that the car frequently falls short of the advertised range.
Suspension, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Electrical System Issues: These are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners.
Vibrating Front Wheel Motors and AC Fan Issues: These are specific issues reported by some Model X owners, with one owner reporting a vibrating issue that has not been fixed after multiple repairs and 30,000 miles driven.

Recalls: The 2020 Tesla Model X has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA, indicating a higher-than-average number of issues with the vehicle.
Rattles and Squeaks: Some owners have reported issues with rattles and squeaks, which can be a sign of more significant issues with the vehicle's suspension or other components.
Longevity and Mechanical Issues: Some owners have reported concerns about the longevity of the Model X and the potential for it to become a money pit after the warranty is up.

In summary, while the Tesla Model X is a popular and innovative luxury SUV, it is not without its common problems. These issues range from software glitches to mechanical issues and safety concerns. If you are considering purchasing a Model X, it is important to be aware of these issues and to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections to catch any potential problems early. If you do experience issues with your Model X, contact Tesla's support team for assistance.

What are the disadvantages of the Model X?

Power And Range Hampered By Battery And Charging Woes

Despite boasting impressive initial range and performance figures, concerns surrounding battery life, charging difficulties, and a stark contrast to the Model 3's capabilities have tarnished the Model X's reputation.

What's the most common problem with Tesla?

The Most Common Breakdowns in Teslas

Battery and Charging Related Issues. One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. ...
Software and Firmware Glitches. ...
Suspension and Air Suspension System. ...
Door Handle and Window Failures.

Why did Tesla stop making Model X?

The Model S and Model X were removed from sale in December 2021, to enable the manufacturer to concentrate on the growing demand for its cheaper Model 3 and Model Y cars.

Are 2020 Teslas good?

Overview. Now in its fourth model year, the Tesla Model 3 manages to be efficient, luxurious and fun to drive. For those reasons and more, the Tesla Model 3 is Edmunds' top-rated Luxury Electric Vehicle for 2020.

2020 Tesla Model x complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Tesla Model x.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2020 Tesla Model x recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 2020 Tesla Model x.

2024-05-28

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

2024-02-27

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted 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."
Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

2024-01-30

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

2023-12-12

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

2023-02-15

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

2022-11-01

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

2022-04-12

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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."
Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

2022-02-04

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Tesla, 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 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."
Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

2022-01-27

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

2021-10-29

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Tesla, 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 communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

Negative 2020 Tesla Model x car reviews

Jaylan Herzog 2025-01-03

I recently purchased a Model X from Tesla, which came with a warranty that includes the battery. The car is rated for 237 miles of range, but unfortunately, I have been experiencing some issues. Within four days of purchase, I noticed that I am only getting 40 miles on a full charge, which is far less than expected. Additionally, the car seems to be losing 24 miles of range per day even when it's not being driven, which is much higher than the 5-10 miles per day that is typically expected. Despite my concerns, Tesla's service support team has informed me that this is normal and that my car's battery is actually outperforming the average Model X. As a result, I am feeling frustrated and disappointed with my purchase. I believe that the advertising was misleading and that the warranty support has been poor. I hope that Tesla will take steps to address these issues in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Milford Kemmer 2024-10-03

I purchased the X brand new in 2019 with the long distance range (approx. 320 miles) from Scottsdale, AZ. While the car is fast and has the added benefit of HOV lane access, there are a few downsides. The distance range is not as advertised, and the cabin noise on the freeway can be quite loud, making it difficult to hear when using Bluetooth. Additionally, the interior quality is not up to par with other luxury cars in the same price range, such as BMW and Mercedes. For the price, the seats and interiors should be more comfortable and luxurious. I paid $112,000.00 out the door, which is quite expensive. Thankfully, I did not purchase one for my wife as well. Super charging stations are not very common, and when you do find one, they can be quite busy, taking up to 40 minutes to charge. Personally, I prefer to gas up for 5 minutes and be on my way. Overall, while the X has some pros, the cons outweigh them and make it not worth the cost.
Cloyd Purdy 2024-06-29

Please ensure that ROAD NOISE and leaky windows are checked thoroughly. The construction quality of the building appears to be poor, with many flaws. I would rate it 1/5 stars.
Zack Huels 2024-05-15

I own a 2019 Model X, which is a $107K car brand new. Unfortunately, we are very unhappy with the vehicle. We have noticed that we can't drive the vehicle too far, as we are lucky to get 150 miles on a full charge when it says fully charged at 220 miles range. I almost ran out of charge on the road when I went to the Harrisburg airport. I drove only 150 miles, and the full charge says I can drive 220 miles, even with no heat running today. When I realized I was not going to make it home, I had to stop at a place to charge for almost 3 hours on a 110 outlet. The charge has only increased from 5 miles to 16 miles in 3 hours, and I can't even take the chance to leave until I have at least 20 miles charge. Although I am disappointed with the car's battery charging system, I hope that Tesla can improve it in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Dante Ward 2024-02-13

While driving on the highway, my car suddenly shut down, leaving me without Bluetooth and sound. Despite my frustration, I contacted Tesla for assistance. Although they requested my VIN number, I was able to provide it and they were able to help me resolve the issue. While the situation was stressful, I appreciate Tesla's commitment to ensuring their customers' safety. While there may have been some miscommunication during the call, I am confident in Tesla's ability to provide excellent customer service and support. Moving forward, I will be sure to keep my VIN number handy in case of any future issues.

Positive 2020 Tesla Model x car reviews

Parker Rohan 2024-07-28

I really like this vehicle! It has so many great features like the driver door that opens for you, the bell that rings when the light changes to green, and the AWD that works so well in the snow. The cameras also show really useful information and the acceleration is almost instant. However, I'm not a fan of the actions of the CEO.
Johnpaul Franecki 2024-07-15

You can expect a few quirks, but in reality, it's a much better experience than the 2 MB we had previously. This is especially true since they require little to no service. When we travelled from Ontario, Canada to Disney in Florida last December, we were a bit intimidated since we were new to electric cars. However, the Tesla supercharger network is probably what makes it the best choice for travelling. We had a great trip and I can confidently say that I don't miss the $700 service visits to Mercedes Benz. Teslas hold their value well and not having to go to a gas station ever is the icing on the cake. Even though it's 4 years old now and has 160,000kms, it's still as good as new.
Magnus Herzog 2024-07-13

I would have loved to take it, but unfortunately, I couldn't due to some circumstances.
Wyman Hartmann 2024-07-04

The car is impressively quiet and provides a comfortable ride with tremendous acceleration. Additionally, the 360 range is great!
Loyal Cummerata 2024-06-29

The car is great, but Tesla's service could use some improvement.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Tesla Model x problems:

Is the model X really so unreliable? : r/TeslaModelX

https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModelX/comments/16c8i5h/is_the_model_x_really_so_unreliable/

Sep 7, 2023 ... Older Model X (2014-2020) had acceleration shudder issue from the front-drive unit half shafts vibrating during hard acceleration in normal ...

Considering buying a 2019/2020 X - concerned about “X issues ...

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/considering-buying-a-2019-2020-x-concerned-about-%E2%80%9Cx-issues%E2%80%9D-thoughts-please.314978/

Nov 2, 2023 ... Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More. Register.

New to Tesla, 2020 model x possible purchase : r/TeslaLounge

https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/14tluit/new_to_tesla_2020_model_x_possible_purchase/

Jul 7, 2023 ... There's a "shudder" issue that shows up eventually in every Model X eventually. If you floor the car a lot, the front driveshafts may need to be ...

Model X - worthwhile or more trouble? | Tesla Motors Club

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-x-worthwhile-or-more-trouble.283673/

Oct 24, 2022 ... I've pointed out flaws on just about every Tesla here, with the majority of the issues being inconsistent panel gaps and alignment. If you have ...