2019 Tesla Model X: adaptive cruise control 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 Sep 23, 2024 · Acceleration · MD

While I was driving, I got an error on my dashboard that "acceleration and top speed reduced. performance may be restored on next drive". After I got this error, from onwards the car was not slowing down even though I remove my foot from accelerator and sometimes it is accelerating itself even though I was not on cruise control or auto pilot. Luckly brakes were working when it was causing sudden unintended acceleration. After I stopped my car at safe location it did not start, and it got towed to Tesla dealer. My concern is that I felt it is most dangerous and it can cause life threating accident. Could you please take necessary action on this incident which causing sudden unintended acceleration. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 Sep 7, 2022 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · NM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -- Cruise Control system (with or without Full Auto-pilot engaged) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -- Vehicle comes to a near complete stop from highway speeds, in traffic, to avoid 'something' that doesn't exist Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -- No, but can be reproduced on Highway 54 between El Paso, TX and Alamogordo, NM Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -- No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No, problem has occurred since April 2022 after receiving the Full Self-driving beta software update. Description of problem: Vehicle is suffering from the well known "Phantom Braking" issue and appears to be getting worse. The problem can be reproduced 100% of the time on Highway 54 between El Paso, TX and Alamogordo, NM. With Cruise Control activated and set to 75 MPH (Auto-pilot disengaged), vehicle will hard brake to 45 MPH or less and then resume back to 75 MPH; essentially "brake checking" the vehicle directly behind. No injuries or accidents to report at this time