Model X (1st)
Data covers 8 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
Tesla Model X Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X
About 55 battery-related complaints per 100,000 electric vehicles built. The median across 56 electric vehicle generations in this database is 69.
What kind of battery complaint?
What the 49 battery-related complaints describe. One complaint can name more than one of these, so the shares add up to more than 100%. They describe what owners complained about, not how often the vehicle fails.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2020] While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subs
- [2020] My 2020 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] , approx. 121,000 miles) experienced a dangerous defect with the automatic front passenger door opening with excessive and uncontrolled force. I noticed this issue within the past three months. The vehicle's front doors are fully automated — the driver and passengers have no manual control over the force at which the door opens. Because of this, a person or object
- [2020] My 2020 Tesla Model X experiences severe vibration, shaking, and rattling during acceleration, especially between about 20–45 mph and at higher suspension settings. The vibration is strong enough to affect steering stability and safe control of the vehicle during acceleration and lane changes. Tesla has already replaced the front half-shafts twice under warranty for this same problem, but the iss
High-Voltage Battery
- [2016] I am reporting the cars main high voltage battery. The charging speed has slowed significantly similarly to my other Tesla which is a model S and that car's battery was replaced after the warranty expired due to unsafe circumstances where the car would not start. I'm starting to see similar signs and since this is an early model of the Model X, the battery management system in utilizing the same o
- [2016] HERE IS A TESLA MODEL X IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/53118179/PHOTOS IT APPEARS TO HAVE BURNED UP IN THE JUNKYARD PRESUMABLY BECAUSE THE BATTERY PACK WAS DAMAGED IN A CRASH AND IT DECIDED TO WAIT A WHILE BEFORE SELF COMBUSTING. BOTH BACK WHEELS HAVE SNAPPED OFF DESPITE THERE BEING NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO THAT PART OF THE CAR. THE BROKEN SUSPENSION ARM FROM ONE OF THE BACK WHEEL
- [2017] Manufacturer designed a Pyro Fuse (a/k/a Battery Fuse), the purpose of which is to open the main battery's circuit in the event of a detected crash via a squib charge, in order to prevent further property damage or risk to life. The obsolete design contained in this model depends on a small lithium ion battery with a 7-10 year lifespan. In this car's case, a timer notification kicked in at about
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2016] The car horn does not work. I was charging my vehicle at a supercharger and the supercharger malfunctioned and caused my vehicle to become unable to drive. I had to tow the vehicle to the service center where they had to reset the car so that he could drive again and they had to replace the 12volt battery. Thereafter, I noticed that the horn was no longer working.
- [2016] MAY 2020 WHILE MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY I CONTINUALLY HAD ISSUES WITH THE MAIN SCREEN. ISSUES WERE REPORTED TO TESLA WHO ASSERTED IT WAS THE FIRMWARE. TESLA KEPT MY CAR FOR OVER A WEEK FOR REPAIRS, THEN CHARGED ME $400 FOR NEW FIRMWARE. HOWEVER WITHIN TWO MONTHS THE ISSUES BEGAN AGAIN, THE SCREEN GOING BLACK AND MULTIPLE ERRORS. IN AUGUST I WAS FINALLY GIVEN ANOTHER SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THI
- [2016] THE CAR DOESN'T TAKE CHARGE. I DROVE MY CAR TO TRY DIFFERENT CHARGING SPOT IN THE SAME SUPERCHARGING STATION AND TRY IN ANOTHER CHARGING STATION. THE CAR DOESN'T CHARGE. IT WAS A WEEKEND WHEN THE CAR HAS CHARGING ISSUE. EVENTUALLY THE CAR JUST OUT OF JUICE. WON'T OPEN IT LET ME IN AND I HAVE TO TOW THE CAR TO SERVICE CENTER IN THE MONDAY SERVICE BUSINESS DAY. IT NEEDS SPECIAL TOWING WITH DOLLY.
Regenerative Braking
- [2020] The contact's wife owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated while his wife was starting the vehicle, a message indicating a low-battery voltage was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown Tesla Service Center, where it was diagnosed that an electrical malfunction was causing a constant drain on the battery w
- [2020] I WAS DRIVING MY MODEL X (JUNE 2020) HOME LAST EVENING ON A ROAD I NORMALLY DRIVE. (6 LANE ROAD) I WAS APPROACH A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT TURNED YELLOW AND I DETERMINED I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO STOP - SO I HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THROUGH THE LIGHT BEFORE IT TURNED RED AND THEN EVERYTHING ON THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. NO ALARMS, NO SOUNDS, NO WARNINGS, NOTHING - MUSIC EVEN STOPPED PLAYING. THE O
- [2016] Hi, several alerts have popped up, Regenerative braking unavailable, Park Assist unavailable, Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable, Traction control disabled, Stability control disabled, ABS (anti-lock braking system) disabled. The odd thing is that the alerts come and go as they please. I can't figure out what it is. Could be software related. Possibly a software update has messed it up?
Charging System
- [2016] The car started giving error messages of systems failing one after another on the highway. It slowed down instantly as if someone pressed the brakes and I could not accelerate. Obviously I did not press the brakes. There were a lot of vehicles behind me and this could have easily caused an accident putting a lot of people at risk. I had to get off the highway asap and get the car towed. The error
- [2017] This is a follow on complaint due to this occurring 12 times over the past 6 months, 6 of those times nearly resulted in catastrophic accidents. I wrote Tesla via certified mail, per their owner's rights requirements in Dec 22 and Jan 23, stated the problem and requested repair, replace, or repurchase. I gave Tesla ample opportunity to repair the vehicle. Tesla now refuses to repair and is failing
- [2017] VEHICLE NOT ABLE TO SUPERCHARGE DUE TO SALVAGE TITLE, VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SUPERCHARGE FOR A YEAR AND TURNED OFF WITH OUT NOTICE OR WARNING. VEHICLE HAS NOT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS AND PASSED TESLA HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM INSPECTION. NOTIFIED SUPERCHARGING IS PERMANENTLY DISABLED FOR BOTH TESLA AND THIRD PARTY DC FAST CHARGING MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RODE TRIP ON THE VEHICLE. I ATTA
Thermal Events
- [2017] HERE IS A TESLA FRESHLY ARRIVED IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/36822732?ROWNUMBER=0 ITT IS BURNED OUT BUT JUDGING BY THE ASHES AROUND THE VEHICLE IT HAS MOST LIKELY BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE STORED IN THE JUNKYARD POST CRASH. THE BACK WHEEL HAS GONE WHOMPY WHICH IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR A TESLA. THERE IS NO CRASH DAMAGE AT THE BACK OF THE CAR THAT WOULD EXPLAIN WHY THE WHEEL WENT WHO
- [2018] Feb 2022 while driving horn engaged and would not go off , had to pull over , steering wheel then locked up and car would not start again but horn continued to go off and had weird smell until it died out. Took vehicle to Tesla service center, was told multiple fuses were blown , mother board and several other electrical/computer issues. May 2023 while parked in driveway horn engaged wound not sto
- [2018] WE HAD AN ACCIDENT 2DAYS AGO. WE WERE IN THE SCHOOL LOOP TO DROP OFF OUR SON TO SCHOOL. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND WAS HEADING TOWARDS THE DROP OFF AREA WHEN EVERYTHING JUST HAPPENED SO FAST, THE NEXT THING I KNEW IS THAT WE HIT ONE OF THE IN-GROUND INSTALLED BASKETBALL HOOPS. THE IMPACT WAS HARD AND DEPLOYED ALL THE AIRBAGS ON THE PASSENGER SEATS AND THE SIDE AIRBAG OF THE DRIVER AND THE 2ND ROW
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. The rate divides those complaints by the electrified versions built, from the production counts makers report to NHTSA, and it is not adjusted for age. Death and injury figures count complaints that report one, not the number an owner typed in.
Battery: Tesla Model S / Model X 100 kWh pack (2016-2020)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty on this pack: 8 yr, with mileage and capacity terms that depend on the pack and on when the car was bought. See the notes on this page.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Tesla Model S / Model X 75 kWh pack (2016-2019)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty on this pack: 8 yr, with mileage and capacity terms that depend on the pack and on when the car was bought. See the notes on this page.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Tesla Model S / Model X 90 kWh pack (2015-2017)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty on this pack: 8 yr, with mileage and capacity terms that depend on the pack and on when the car was bought. See the notes on this page.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model X, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2016-2020 Tesla Model X
On a used 2016-2020 Tesla Model X, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (295), the electrical system (237) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (157). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 295 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the suspension.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 237 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 110 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the steering.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the body and structure.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X about the electric drive system.
Recalls (18)
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces may be adhered to the vehicle without primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Show 13 older recalls
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have been adhered to the vehicle without first using primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle while moving.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Model X vehicles. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Model X vehicles. The left-side, second row, reclining seat backs may not fully latch due to having incorrectly adjusted recliner mechanism cables. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2016 Model X vehicles manufactured September 29, 2015, to March 30, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2020 Tesla Model X complaints?
Owners have filed 990 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 990 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X have?
NHTSA has 990 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2020 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA lists 18 recalls covering some 2016-2020 Tesla Model X vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Tesla Model X?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Model X?
The 2020 Tesla Model X received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 990 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.