YearToAvoid

2018 Tesla Model X Brakes Problems

NHTSA logged 15 brake complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model X, 8% of that year's 192 total complaints. Five involved crashes and three involved injuries, with a median failure mileage of 1,500 miles. No related recalls are listed for this area.

Brakes complaints
15
8% of 192
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
1,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle failing to stop or slow when the brake pedal was pressed, sometimes jumping a curb or hitting a fixed object at low parking-lot speeds.
  • Several report sudden unexpected braking or 'phantom braking' while using autopilot or adaptive cruise control on the highway, dropping speed sharply with no obstacle present.
  • Some describe the parking brake or emergency brake engaging on its own while driving, throwing loose items and causing a jolt.
  • Others report the car losing power or stalling on the highway with no clear cause found by service, alongside error messages tied to the brake and ABS systems.
  • One owner reported the automated emergency braking feature not activating in time to avoid hitting the car ahead.

When 2018 Tesla Model X brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 8, 2018, latest May 23, 2026.

2018 Tesla Model X brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2018Dec 2018Sep 2019Mar 2021May 2022Jan 2023Feb 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to May 2026; peak May 2022 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model X

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes 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. 201633 (7%)
  3. 201718 (7%)
  4. 201815 (8%)
  5. 201912 (12%)
  6. 202011 (9%)
  7. 20211 (2%)
  8. 202210 (8%)
  9. 202312 (6%)
  10. 20242 (8%)
  11. 20252 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA lists 15 brake-related complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model X, which is 8% of the 192 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there any brake recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model X?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the brake problem area on the 2018 Tesla Model X.
At what mileage do brake problems tend to show up on the 2018 Model X?
The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 1,500 miles, indicating issues surfaced early in ownership.
Did any 2018 Model X brake complaints involve crashes or injuries?
Yes, of the 15 brake complaints, 5 involved crashes and 3 involved injuries, with no fires reported.
Is the 2018 Model X worse than other years for brake complaints?
Its 8% share of complaints tied to brakes is close to other years like 2016 (7%) and 2017 (7%), though 2019 and 2025 show higher shares at 12% and 13%.

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.