YearToAvoid

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.

2017 Tesla Model X collision avoidance & cameras complaints: complaints filed per month4Mar 2019Jun 2021Mar 2022Dec 2022Jun 2023May 2024Oct 2025
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2019 to Oct 2025; peak Feb 2022 (4).

Collision Avoidance & Cameras recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model X

  1. 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.

  1. 20150 (0%)
  2. 201634 (8%)
  3. 201742 (16%)
  4. 201832 (17%)
  5. 201919 (19%)
  6. 202026 (20%)
  7. 20216 (15%)
  8. 202224 (19%)
  9. 202321 (11%)
  10. 20249 (35%)
  11. 20254 (27%)

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%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.