NHTSA Complaint #11632901 — 2020 TESLA MODEL X

I preordered a 2020 Tesla Model X on [XXX], totaling $112,590, with $62,617 paid in cash and the rest financed. On November 30, 2021, I brought the car to the Renton Tesla Service Center for axle noise when accelerating, but they couldn’t replicate it. On February 7, 2022, I returned with the same complaint and was asked to provide a video of the issue. On April 13, 2022, with video proof of the noise, Tesla verified the issue and replaced the axle halfshafts, temporarily resolving it. On [XXX], the noise recurred. Renton Tesla couldn’t replicate it and suggested a wheel alignment, which I paid for. On November 30, 2022, I took the car to Tesla of Bellevue, where they diagnosed worn-out suspension and made repairs, ordering additional parts. On January 9, 2023, Tesla replaced the Drive Unit during follow-up work. On [XXX], the knocking noise returned, but Tesla Bellevue couldn’t replicate the issue, providing no solution. On [XXX], I returned with the ongoing issue. Tesla again identified the problem as halfshaft-related and replaced the parts. Frustrated with no permanent fix, I requested they either find a long-term solution or initiate a buy-back. Tesla completed repairs, left voicemails to pick up the car, and failed to address my buy-back request. On December 5, 2024, Ludee, Tesla’s Bellevue manager, emailed threatening storage fees and impounding if I didn’t retrieve the car. I repeated my request for a buy-back over safety concerns but received another demand letter on December 12, threatening towing and impound charges if I didn’t pick up the vehicle by December 18. Tesla has known about this issue since November 2021 and has only offered temporary fixes despite verbal acknowledgment of the problem. It is not cosmetic but a significant safety concern, with axle noise pointing to potential frame and drive component faults. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)