2017 Tesla Model X Collision Avoidance & Cameras Problems
NHTSA lists 42 Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model X, 16% of all complaints for the year, tied to 4 crashes. A related recall (21V846000) addresses false forward-collision warnings from a software communication error.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints
- 42
- 16% of 268
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 21,740 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical collision avoidance system symptoms owners report
- Backup camera shows a frozen or previous image instead of a live feed while reversing, which owners link to a backing crash.
- Forward collision warning and other active safety features drop out when the central touchscreen freezes, goes black, or reboots mid-drive.
- Owners report Full Self-Driving/Autopilot failing to recognize obstacles, leading to collisions.
- Rear-view camera and parking sensor chimes disable themselves when the MCU screen intermittently stops responding.
- Some owners received a Back Over Prevention/Visibility recall notice (Campaign 21V035000) but reported the repair part was not yet available.
When 2017 Tesla Model X collision avoidance system complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 22, 2019, latest Oct 28, 2025.
Collision Avoidance & Cameras recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model X
- NHTSA 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Collision Avoidance & Cameras11,728 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: camera
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.
Risk: 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.
Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints by Model X model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many collision avoidance and camera complaints does the 2017 Tesla Model X have?
- NHTSA lists 42 complaints in the Collision Avoidance & Cameras category for the 2017 Model X, which is 16% of the 268 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for camera or collision avoidance issues on the 2017 Tesla Model X?
- Yes. Recall campaign 21V846000 covers a software communication error that could trigger false forward-collision warnings on 2017-2021 Model X and other Tesla models; Tesla fixed it with a free over-the-air update.
- Have these camera problems caused crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 4 crashes linked to Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints on the 2017 Model X, with 0 reported fires and 0 injuries.
- At what mileage do these camera problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints on the 2017 Model X is 21,740 miles.
- How does the 2017 Model X compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2017 Model X has 42 complaints in this area (16% share), higher in raw count than 2016's 34 but lower in share than 2020's 20% or 2024's 35%.