2018 TESLA MODEL X — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The 2018 Model X experienced a sudden and complete loss of power and became totally inaccessible. All doors and access points were inoperable and the vehicle could not be unlocked, disconnected, powered on, or placed into any service or tow mode. Emergency front-trunk release cables had to be used and external 12-volt power applied at the jump terminals to wake the vehicle. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. Children, pets, elderly, and others could have been inside of the vehicle. Thankfully, they were not. Tesla inspected the vehicle and stated the failure was related to the battery coolant heater. The failure resulted in a complete vehicle immobilization and access failure. I had previously experienced restart warnings on the dashboard, but I did not expect a total lockout and loss of access. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. It may be a known safety issue. It should be recalled. This condition presents a serious safety risk because occupants could be trapped inside the vehicle and the vehicle cannot be accessed or moved without external power. In extreme heat or cold, or in a medical or emergency situation involving a child or pet, this failure mode could create a life-threatening situation. Importantly, even after multiple requests, I have not received a copy of the diagnostic report, or anything other than informal emails or calls. Tesla has not provided information regarding this failure other than broad statements, and visuals of the location of the battery pack, in an attempt to deny warranty coverage. The Tesla reports a High Voltage System alert currently. The vehicle is subject to Tesla’s Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. Tesla has stated that the failed component was the battery coolant heater, but has refused to cover the repair under warranty. Tesla confirmed the failure but has not provided the diagnostic report, fault codes, or vehicle logs supporting its determination.

The 2018 Model X experienced a sudden and complete loss of power and became totally inaccessible. All doors and access points were inoperable and the vehicle could not be unlocked, disconnected, powered on, or placed into any service or tow mode. Emergency front-trunk release cables had to be used and external 12-volt power applied at the jump terminals to wake the vehicle. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. Children, pets, elderly, and others could have been inside of the vehicle. Thankfully, they were not. Tesla inspected the vehicle and stated the failure was related to the battery coolant heater. The failure resulted in a complete vehicle immobilization and access failure. I had previously experienced restart warnings on the dashboard, but I did not expect a total lockout and loss of access. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. It may be a known safety issue. It should be recalled. This condition presents a serious safety risk because occupants could be trapped inside the vehicle and the vehicle cannot be accessed or moved without external power. In extreme heat or cold, or in a medical or emergency situation involving a child or pet, this failure mode could create a life-threatening situation. Importantly, even after multiple requests, I have not received a copy of the diagnostic report, or anything other than informal emails or calls. Tesla has not provided information regarding this failure other than broad statements, and visuals of the location of the battery pack, in an attempt to deny warranty coverage. The Tesla reports a High Voltage System alert currently. The vehicle is subject to Tesla’s Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. Tesla has stated that the failed component was the battery coolant heater, but has refused to cover the repair under warranty. Tesla confirmed the failure but has not provided the diagnostic report, fault codes, or vehicle logs supporting its determination.

The 2018 Model X experienced a sudden and complete loss of power and became totally inaccessible. All doors and access points were inoperable and the vehicle could not be unlocked, disconnected, powered on, or placed into any service or tow mode. Emergency front-trunk release cables had to be used and external 12-volt power applied at the jump terminals to wake the vehicle. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. Children, pets, elderly, and others could have been inside of the vehicle. Thankfully, they were not. Tesla inspected the vehicle and stated the failure was related to the battery coolant heater. The failure resulted in a complete vehicle immobilization and access failure. I had previously experienced restart warnings on the dashboard, but I did not expect a total lockout and loss of access. The inability to access the vehicle was unexpected and alarming. It may be a known safety issue. It should be recalled. This condition presents a serious safety risk because occupants could be trapped inside the vehicle and the vehicle cannot be accessed or moved without external power. In extreme heat or cold, or in a medical or emergency situation involving a child or pet, this failure mode could create a life-threatening situation. Importantly, even after multiple requests, I have not received a copy of the diagnostic report, or anything other than informal emails or calls. Tesla has not provided information regarding this failure other than broad statements, and visuals of the location of the battery pack, in an attempt to deny warranty coverage. The Tesla reports a High Voltage System alert currently. The vehicle is subject to Tesla’s Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. Tesla has stated that the failed component was the battery coolant heater, but has refused to cover the repair under warranty. Tesla confirmed the failure but has not provided the diagnostic report, fault codes, or vehicle logs supporting its determination.

During a recent incident where a tire issue caused damage to the wiring harness for the parking brake, resulting in a Parking Brake Failure notification on the screen, the vehicle would not stop or turn off. The vehicle displayed N for neutral on the dash, but the vehicle would drive forward unless the brake was depressed. In addition, we were unable to place the vehicle in Park, which meant that we were unable to shut it off. The only way to stop the vehicle from driving on its own and crashing into something was to place concrete blocks under the tires! Unplugging the 12v battery also had no effect! The vehicle kept driving as if it was in drive, and there as no way to stop it without placing the foot on the brake pedal the entire time or placing the blocks I referenced. The only way I was able to shut it off, was to pull what's known as the Fireman's Loop, which I'm guessing firemen pull in the case of an accident. I wasn't aware of this mechanism, and only learned of it after posting on numerous social media apps regarding this issue. This is a Major issue, as we are talking about a moving and unstoppable car! Tesla needs to build some mechanism that allows the car to be shut off by the driver or to override the screen and place the car in park. Pulling this firemans loop and unplugging the 12v battery, required me being in front of the vehicle, risking my life, as the vehicle could've easily moved if the concrete barriers didn't stop it, and also required me taking 30+ minutes to remove components from the Frunk, just to access these components!!

During a recent incident where a tire issue caused damage to the wiring harness for the parking brake, resulting in a Parking Brake Failure notification on the screen, the vehicle would not stop or turn off. The vehicle displayed N for neutral on the dash, but the vehicle would drive forward unless the brake was depressed. In addition, we were unable to place the vehicle in Park, which meant that we were unable to shut it off. The only way to stop the vehicle from driving on its own and crashing into something was to place concrete blocks under the tires! Unplugging the 12v battery also had no effect! The vehicle kept driving as if it was in drive, and there as no way to stop it without placing the foot on the brake pedal the entire time or placing the blocks I referenced. The only way I was able to shut it off, was to pull what's known as the Fireman's Loop, which I'm guessing firemen pull in the case of an accident. I wasn't aware of this mechanism, and only learned of it after posting on numerous social media apps regarding this issue. This is a Major issue, as we are talking about a moving and unstoppable car! Tesla needs to build some mechanism that allows the car to be shut off by the driver or to override the screen and place the car in park. Pulling this firemans loop and unplugging the 12v battery, required me being in front of the vehicle, risking my life, as the vehicle could've easily moved if the concrete barriers didn't stop it, and also required me taking 30+ minutes to remove components from the Frunk, just to access these components!!