2019 Tesla Model X driver assistance problems

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

My 2019 Tesla Model X Performance (HW3, Full Self-Driving purchased outright) has experienced repeated, intermittent critical failures of Autopilot/FSD while driving at highway speeds above 60 mph. On multiple occasions, FSD abruptly displayed a RED immediate-takeover warning and disengaged while actively steering, including during curves and lane changes. Immediate driver intervention was required to maintain control. Some incidents involved unexpected acceleration immediately before disengagement. At other times, Autopilot, FSD, and cruise control become unavailable, displaying “Cruise control unavailable.” The problem sometimes disappears without repair. During an active failure, Tesla Service Mode showed Primary Autopilot ECU (A): CRITICAL; Secondary ECU (B): NOMINAL; and Driver Assistance Features: UNAVAILABLE. Recorded fault codes included APS_w135_appCritical, PM_w041_dasMIA, APP_w009_aebFault, and APP_w184_fisheyeCameraStreamExit. Camera previews were unavailable. Tesla Plano Lexington inspected the vehicle in October 2026 at approximately 85,413 miles. Technician logs showed fisheye camera deserializer alerts. Tesla recommended replacing the forward-facing triple camera and coaxial harness but confirmed in writing that the Autopilot ECU has not been proven defective, the cause remains uncertain, and proposed repairs may not resolve the issue. On October 19, 2026, Tesla’s DFW Service Manager also confirmed in writing that these camera/communication faults may impair Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and other collision avoidance features. Tesla could not confirm these safety systems were unaffected. No crash or injury has occurred. Tesla advised against using FSD/Autopilot until repaired. The malfunction remains unresolved. I request the federal safety agency investigate the risk of sudden driver-assistance disengagements and potentially unavailable collision avoidance systems.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 5,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the Full Self-Driving system was updated in June 2025. Since the update, while idling at red traffic lights, the vehicle was surging forward as if it were trying to run the red light. The contact had to immediately depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from accelerating unintendedly. While attempting to make a right lane change, the vehicle suddenly seize mid-lane-change and returned the vehicle to the original lane. The contact made 2 to 3 attempts before being able to make the lane change successfully. The vehicle also independently attempted to make the lane change as if self-correcting the vehicle. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle suddenly ran a red-light while being test driven. The contact stated that the dealer expressed that it was a known issue after the software update was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Tesla (1731 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710); who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Driver assistance · NY · crash

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Safety Incident Report: While using the vehicle’s ‘Summon’ feature, the car failed to stop when I released the control button. It continued forward, drove up and over a large curb, struck a signpost, and came to rest with one tire elevated on the curb/grass and the other three tires on the pavement. This “jumping curbs” behavior and collision with fixed objects represents a serious safety hazard. I am extremely grateful that no person was nearby or inside the vehicle at the time, as this failure could have resulted in injury or death. The incident is documented on video. The vehicle is currently pending inspection. Despite my request, Tesla has not responded or addressed the issue, leaving the defect unmitigated. At no point did the vehicle display any warning lights or messages indicating a malfunction before or after the incident. Given the nature of this failure, its potential to cause harm, and the lack of response from the manufacturer, I am submitting this report to alert federal safety authorities and initiate appropriate investigation into the safety of the ‘Summon’ feature and the vehicle’s ADAS systems.

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Driver assistance, Visibility · WA

I own a 2019 Tesla Model X. After Tesla upgraded my vehicle from AP2.5 to the FSD hardware module, the front camera view became blurry. I disassembled the camera housing and found that a heated line in the windshield, intended to prevent fog or ice buildup in front of the camera, runs directly through the camera’s field of view. This line now causes noticeable image distortion, which interferes with safety-critical features such as FSD, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assistance. The Tesla service supervisor confirmed this is not my fault. He explained the issue may have been caused by heat from the line gradually affecting the glass, or that the upgraded FSD hardware, which captures clearer images, is now revealing a flaw that was previously less visible. He also mentioned that Tesla redesigned this component in newer Model X vehicles to prevent this issue. However, because my car is out of warranty, they are refusing to replace the windshield. Since the FSD upgrade, I have experienced multiple warning messages while using FSD. On one occasion, while driving on the freeway, the system suddenly disengaged and displayed a message saying the camera had weak visualization and the driver must take over. I believe this is a serious safety issue related to the blurry front camera caused by the heated line in the windshield. Although Tesla acknowledges the problem and that it is not due to misuse, they have declined to offer any resolution. I am now unable to safely use the FSD system I paid over one thousand dollars to install, and Tesla has taken no responsibility. I believe this issue poses a risk to driver and public safety and should be investigated regardless of warranty status.

Filed May 4, 2024 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · CO

When operating under adaptive cruise control, the vehicle frequently slams on the brakes for no reason. This has become so bad that we are simply terrified to operate the vehicle under adaptive cruise control. The highway is completely empty in front of us, there are no hazards and no issues with visibility on the road. The cruise control simply reacts to a phantom in a highly dangerous manner. > What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The adaptive cruise control - you are welcome to inspect it. > How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We have suffered two near-miss rear-end collisions at high speed on the Interstate. The behavior throws us against the seat belt restraints, causing near loss of control. > Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? We have raised the problem repeatedly with Tesla, and there are numerous confirming reports by other Tesla owners > Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The system has been checked by Tesla, nothing found wrong. Tesla maintains that they are continuing to "train" the system, but after 5.5 years, there has been no improvement. > Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Nothing - the car simply slams on the brakes.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 55,482 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front end near the tires and wheel wells. There was a vibration in the front end of the vehicle while driving. The Autopilot feature became inoperable. The "Autopilot camera unavailable" message was displayed. While driving, the instrument cluster went dark. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a possible camera blockage. The ball joints and control arm were resealed. The vehicle was calibrated and informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,482.

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Driver assistance · MN

While driving on autopilot, adaptive cruise control essentially, on a 300 mile trip last week the car had several, I think 5 total, instances of phantom braking. These occurrences happen in random situations, no consistent factors that seem to indicate what triggers it. It is often not only startling, but scary since it is almost always in a high speed situation with traffic. These events have happened in the past but not at this frequency. We have another Tesla, a Model 3, that also experiences this same phenomena. When I reported it to Tesla they said to reboot the system, which I did. Did not appear to improve. Otherwise they seem to be unconcerned about these events. I have had adaptive cruise control in other cars, mostly Lexus, where this never occurred.

Filed May 18, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

When using cruise control the car decides to randomly hard-brake dropping instantly 40+ mph OR it increases speed higher than the set cruise control for no reason. We literally have had our bodies slammed into the seats during braking and we will inevitably be rear-ended for this faulty “phantom” braking. We submitted a service request to Tesla on 5/18/23 and were told there’s nothing to be done because it’s in Beta Testing. This is dangerous and unacceptable. Almost all new cars have adaptive cruise and those other brands have figured this out. Tesla ignoring this and basically saying “it’s not our fault” is irresponsible.

Filed May 12, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · AZ

Random phantom braking while on the open freeway with no traffic while in cruise control. it happened multiple times while on a road trip. there was not an obstacle or traffic in front of us. braking was hard almost to a skid

Filed Mar 9, 2023 · Driver assistance · CA

Proof Tesla FSD Beta v11.3.1 Running Red Lights. 1. https://youtu.be/qt56idWv9rw?t=455 2. https://youtu.be/iJbJS-UQIDc?t=1297 Proof it tryed to run a stale yellow light: https://youtu.be/4cJasL0_jFU?t=1404 Proof Emergency breaking Failed: https://youtu.be/4cJasL0_jFU?t=658