2018 Tesla Model X problems: recalls, complaints and whether this is a year to avoid

Owner complaint records for the 2018 Tesla Model X were not returned in the latest retrieval, so no count is shown rather than a zero that would be wrong. 9 recall entries cover this year.

Which recalls cover the 2018?

Electrical System 2018 · 22V037000

The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first…

Free remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022.

Back Over Prevention 2018 · 21V035000

When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the…

Free remedy: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear.

Forward Collision Avoidance 2018 · 21V846000

A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

Free 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.

Take the campaign number to any franchised Tesla dealer. Recall repairs are free with no mileage or ownership limit, and they follow the car rather than the owner, so a used 2018 with an unrepaired campaign is a free repair you can claim. How recalls work.

Recall text is abridged from the NHTSA record. Search the campaign number at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the full notice and affected VIN ranges.

Which other Tesla Model X years should you compare?

← 2016 Tesla Model X · All Tesla Model X years

If you are deciding between years, the Tesla Model X page carries the full run with the component breakdown. Before money changes hands, run the VIN for open recalls and read the inspection checklist — ten minutes in the seller’s driveway finds most of what matters.

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Check a 2018 before you commit

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Diagnostics~$25

ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD2 Scanner

The glovebox tool. Wired, no app, no pairing, no batteries — plug it in and it reads and clears engine codes. This is the one that saves you a diagnostic fee the first time the check engine light comes on. Its limits are honest: engine codes only, no ABS or airbag, no live graphing.

Best for: Anyone who just wants to know what the light means

Check price on Amazon
Diagnostics~$100

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner

Pairs with your phone and reads far more than engine codes — ABS, airbag, transmission and HVAC on most vehicles — plus live data. The real feature is the repair reports, which map a code to the fixes that most often resolved it on your specific year, make, model and engine. No subscription.

Best for: Owners keeping a car past warranty, or checking used cars

Check price on Amazon
Roadside~$100

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter

A lithium pack the size of a paperback that starts a car with no second vehicle and no stranger required, and charges a phone besides. It is the single most useful thing in a car emergency kit, and the reason jumper cables have become optional. Recharge it every few months.

Best for: Every car, every climate

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