A Tesla Model X owner says he is facing yet another expensive repair after repeated drivetrain failures, raising concerns about the long-term durability of some high-mileage Model X vehicles. The owner, who drives a 2020 Tesla Model X with about 110,000 miles, says the vehicle’s half-shafts have already been replaced twice and now appear to be failing again less than a year later.
Posting online, the owner explained the situation.
He wrote, “So this is driving me crazy. The half shafts have been replaced twice. The last time was in April 2025 which cost about $800 for parts and labor. Now it’s happened again within a year.”
The owner believes the same problem has returned but says Tesla service is recommending a much larger repair.
He added, “I’m sure it’s the same problem but they are just trying to replace everything under my frunk this time and have given me this insane quote.”
Owner Questions Tesla’s Diagnosis
The owner hoped the repair might be covered because the last replacement happened less than a year ago. However, after speaking with the service center, he was told the current issue may not be the same as before.
He explained, “I had a conversation with the service center this morning and mentioned the widespread half shaft issue on Model X. They are saying it’s a different issue this time although the symptom is exactly the same as last year.”
Still unsure about the diagnosis, the owner said he might delay repairs.
He wrote, “Maybe this is totally BS but I can’t tell. I’d decline the quote and keep using this car for now.”
With over 110,000 miles on the vehicle, repeated repairs are becoming a serious financial concern.
Half-Shaft Problems Are Well Known Among Owners
Half-shaft failures are not uncommon on some Model X vehicles, particularly earlier versions. Many owners report a vibration or shudder during acceleration, which often signals worn half-shafts.
Tesla has previously issued service guidance related to the issue, and some owners believe the problem is widely known within Tesla service centers.
One commenter suggested that Tesla service bulletins may offer a simpler solution.
He wrote, “There’s a service bulletin out on this and it’s like $350. Not all service centers are aware of that if you don’t cite it.”
The suggestion highlights how some owners feel they must research technical details themselves before visiting service centers.
Some Owners Say Repairs Keep Coming Back
Another Tesla owner said repeated half-shaft repairs were one of the reasons he decided to sell his vehicle.
He wrote, “Tesla will only honor that once. This is why I happily got rid of my 2020 Model X because there was no way I was going to get hit with almost $3k in repairs every year or so for the half shafts.”
Repeated repairs can turn into a major expense once vehicles are out of warranty, especially for owners who drive high mileage.
Some Believe Suspension Design Plays a Role
One Model X owner who has owned multiple vehicles suggested the issue may be connected to the suspension design rather than just the half-shafts themselves.
He explained, “Unfortunately this is a design failure tied to the suspension geometry.”
According to his experience, different suspension heights can affect tire wear and drivetrain stress.
He wrote, “The fix is to keep the suspension middle or high to balance the tire wear. Well the half shafts weren’t designed to handle the torque loads with the suspension at those heights so they fail over time.”
This theory suggests that the stress placed on drivetrain components may vary depending on how the suspension system operates.
Expensive Repairs Add Up Over Time
Half-shaft replacements on the Model X can vary widely in cost depending on what parts need to be replaced and whether the vehicle is still under warranty. Some repairs cost several hundred dollars, while more complex work can exceed two thousand dollars.
For owners with higher mileage vehicles, repeated repairs can become part of long-term maintenance costs.
Some drivers now consider half-shaft replacement a regular maintenance item rather than a rare repair.
One owner summarized the situation by writing, “You either spend the money on tires or on the half shaft. You must choose.”