Tesla Model X problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 1,340 owner complaints and 39 recalls on file for the Tesla Model X (2015–2026). The 2016 Model X has the most serious complaints, most often about suspension.
- Complaints
- 1,340
- Recalls
- 39
- Model years
- 12
- Worst year
- 2016
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Tesla Model X years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2016 Tesla Model X — 317 complaints, 21 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Suspension
- 2018 Tesla Model X — 163 complaints, 25 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
- 2023 Tesla Model X — 194 complaints, 18 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Steering
- 2017 Tesla Model X — 227 complaints, 11 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
- 2020 Tesla Model X — 128 complaints, 17 crashes; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).
Every Tesla Model X model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model X | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2025 Model X | 15 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2024 Model X | 26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2023 Model X | 194 | 18 | 2 | 12 | 17 | Steering |
| 2022 Model X | 128 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 22 | Steering |
| 2021 Model X | 41 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 24 | Steering |
| 2020 Model X | 128 | 17 | 0 | 6 | 10 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2019 Model X | 94 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 8 | Suspension |
| 2018 Model X | 163 | 25 | 1 | 12 | 9 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2017 Model X | 227 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 10 | Electrical System |
| 2016 Model X | 317 | 21 | 1 | 14 | 12 | Suspension |
| 2015 Model X | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
Most common Tesla Model X problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System277 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech261 complaints
- Suspension246 complaints
- Steering243 complaints
- Body & Structure123 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control94 complaints
- Brakes89 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts64 complaints
- Airbags49 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain49 complaints
Complaint trend
Tesla Model X recalls
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Flickering headlights or parking lights may not suffciently illuminate the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: The second-row seat may not properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Tesla models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology