NHTSA Complaint #11709103 — 2018 TESLA MODEL X

My 2018 Tesla Model X experienced repeated over-the-air software update failures starting in late December 2025. Each update attempt would run for hours and then fail with a timeout error. This pattern continued for several weeks with the same error every time. After these repeated failed update attempts, the Autopilot ECU (computer) completely failed. Tesla service diagnosed the issue on January 6, 2026 as a failed Autopilot ECU 3.0 requiring full replacement at a cost of $1,808. The failure has disabled Full Self-Driving, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and all driver-assistance safety features. I am concerned this represents a systemic defect where Tesla's software updates are damaging or exposing failures in Autopilot hardware. Multiple other Tesla owners have reported this same pattern in 2024-2025: update timeout errors followed by complete Autopilot computer failure requiring expensive replacement. Tesla is charging customers to fix problems created by their own update process. The loss of critical safety features occurred solely due to Tesla's software update attempts.