2016 Tesla Model X

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 448 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

258 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension126
1029
Electrical System74
513
Structure › Body43
814
Unknown or Other41
706
Steering39
703
Service Brakes23
500
Visibility/Wiper14
000
Vehicle Speed Control14
701
Air Bags10
707
Power Train8
201

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body24V615000
Filed Aug 15, 20249,136 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Tesla service will test the roof trim adhesion and reattach the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-008. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-710 will need to have the new inspection and remedy completed.

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices24V376000
Filed May 28, 2024125,233 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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."

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.

Remedy. Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel24V051000
Filed Jan 30, 20242,193,869 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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."

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.

Remedy. Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software23V838000
Filed Dec 12, 20232,031,220 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering23V085000
Filed Feb 15, 2023362,758 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering22V037000
Filed Jan 27, 202253,822 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System21V035000
Filed Jan 29, 2021134,951 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

Structure › Body20V710000
Filed Nov 17, 20209,136 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will test the roof trim adhesion, and, as necessary, apply primer, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-12-005. This recall has been superseded by Recall 24V615 (SB-24-12-008).

Steering › Electric Power Assist System20V062000
Filed Feb 5, 202014,113 vehiclesTesla, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts with coated steel bolts, and add a corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly17V639000
Filed Oct 12, 20174,582 vehiclesTesla Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. If the seat back moves forward in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla service technicians will correct the cable adjustment for the left-side, fold-flat, second row, seat recliner mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-13-004.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 17, 2026IN

My 2016 Tesla Model X is subject to NHTSA Recall 24V615000 for detaching roof appliques. The component was previously inspected by Tesla under this campaign. Last week, the center spine applique completely detached and flew off the vehicle at highway speeds, creating an immediate road hazard. The service center finally agreed to dp t h e repair but the Tesla authorized service center failed to properly complete the recall remedy, damaged adjacent water/wind seals with chemical solvents during the process, and is refusing to return the car to a safe, weather-tight condition without charging the me $2,800.

Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2026CA

The car was making a grinding and knocking sound which varied with the engine speed. This noise was confirmed to be coming from the rear drive unit by the Tesla technician. The vehicle has approximately 105,000 miles. An internet search revealed it was a common problem. The repair costed $6,502.20. It appears the problem was related to the original part which had a high failure rate and this was corrected with an updated part (ASY, DRIVE, UNIT, 3.0-150, REAR (1037000-00-F)). I understand this the drive unit that would address the coolant-ingress/seal failure of the Model X Large Drive Unit

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 2026IN

My 2016 Tesla Model X is subject to NHTSA Recall 24V615000 for detaching roof appliques. The component was previously inspected by Tesla under this campaign. August 30, 2026 the center spine applique completely detached and flew off the vehicle at highway speeds, creating an immediate road hazard. Tesla Service is now refusing to replace the missing component under the recall campaign, claiming a prior inspection absolves them of coverage. The vehicle currently exhibits the exact safety defect intended to be cured by the recall.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 19, 2026WA

I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side of the road. I then discovered that I could not use the parking brake or turn on the flashers. There is no manual parking brake, and the car thought it was still driving. I was facing downhill and the only way to keep the car from rolling was to keep my foot on the brake. I had to call 911 and could only safely exit the vehicle, after they had ensured it would not roll. Again, I could not exit the vehicle, or even put on flashers to warn traffic. Tesla attempted to have me reboot the operating system but this also failed -- apparently there is no manual reboot or brake avalible.

Power Train
Filed May 4, 2026CA

I own a 2016 Tesla Model X P100D equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/fire risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have n

SteeringCrash
Filed Apr 29, 2026CA

The rack-and-pinion system failed, causing steering to become difficult at low speeds and worsening rapidly over weeks. It was inspected by a mechanic at EV Coastal in Santa Ana, who said it was not the U-Joint or bolt corrosion issue addressed by an earlier NHTSA recall. There were no notifications either visible to me or to the mechanic in service mode. The accident was at low speeds and a partial cause was my daughter's difficulty making a smooth adjustment with the steering wheel. She was pulling out of a parking spot and collided with a car going a little faster than it should have in a parking lot. Fortunately, the damage was limited to a scratch to the passenger side door of the other car (see photo) and scratches to the right side of the front fender of the Tesla.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2026NE

Coolant heater failure resulting in no regenerative braking .

Steering
Filed Mar 20, 2026AL

I don't think Tesla ever did the steering bolt recall per SB-20-32-002 on my vehicle. I had all the bolts fail, with obvious corrosion, and the motor separated from the rack causing a loss of power steering while moving. You can see where the bolt physically failed and the corrosion both on the remainder of the bolt and the entire mating surface of the motor to the steering rack. Going back through my service records, it is only listed once on 9 June 2021 with notes of "Parts not available" hidden in the comments. Tesla is telling me this was done, with comments about a January 2021 visit, but I never took it to them in January (I did in February) and the February visit has no mention of the recall. Regardless, one of two things happened: either Tesla didn't do the recall and I fell victim to the issue or the recall was done and the new, updated bolts still failed due to corrosion and exposure to a corrosive, winter environment. I still suspect the former for the reason that no visible evidence of the protective wax coating required by the TSB could be seen on the motor or steering rack. Perhaps they swapped the bolts but didn't apply the wax, which allowed for continued corrosion? I won't know for sure until they continue with the repair, but I'm worried they are going to toss the parts and sweep this under the rug and foot me with the full bill. Regardless, I want this documented that I had a failure despite the recall so that any other owner with a similar problem can see

Steering
Filed Jan 27, 202680,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the power steering assist feature suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The driver was able to forcefully turn the steering wheel and drive the vehicle a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the local Tesla Service Center who diagnosed that the steering rack circuit board had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V062000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 23, 2026FL

2016 Tesla Model X experienced Electronic Parking Brake failure with alerts stating ‘parking brake did not release.’ Tesla is charging for replacement despite known EPB defect and recall affecting 2016 Model X vehicles. This is a safety-related braking issue.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 11, 2026NY

While driving a notification popped up, parking brake may not be applied while driving. This notification appears in rain or snow making me think it is weather related malfunctioning.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 8, 2025NJ

Description of Problem: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COMPLETE FAILURE My 2016 Tesla Model X instrument cluster has completely failed and permanently displays "CAR OFF" regardless of the actual vehicle status, including while actively driving at highway speeds. Critical Information I CANNOT See While Driving: Gear position (P, D, R, N) - I have no visual confirmation of what gear the vehicle is in Vehicle speed/speedometer Warning lights (brake, ABS, tire pressure, etc.) Battery status Any critical safety alerts This is an extremely dangerous condition that prevents me from knowing essential driving information required to operate the vehicle safely. Federal Safety Violations: This defect clearly violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 101 and No. 102. Gear position indicators must be "permanently displayed in view of the driver" Critical safety information must be accessible to a properly seated and belted driver Instrument panels must provide essential vehicle status information Tesla's Pattern of Similar Recalls: Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for similar instrument cluster issues: 2023 Recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V-404): Tesla recalled 2012-2023 Model S and 2016-2024 Model X vehicles for incorrect instrument panel warning light font size, specifically stating that warning lights with smaller fonts "can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash." 2022 Recall (Multiple campaigns): Tesla recalled

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Nov 13, 2025CA

Problem: Driver door fails to open The door actuator and latch will intermittently fail and the door will refuse to open. In the event of an accident the driver can fail to exit the vehicle possibly leading to death. An independent party/dealer has not produced the problem. No representative has looked at the problem. No warnings of failure appear.

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2025MI

There is a u joint problem that is reported in many model x vehicles especially in the 2016 models. The steering stiffens and make is very difficulty to maneuver .

Steering
Filed Oct 11, 2025CA

While driving, the steering suddenly failed — the wheel spun freely with no response from the front wheels. This occurred at a stoplight shortly after exiting the freeway; had it happened minutes earlier at highway speed, it could have caused a serious crash. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, which confirmed an under-torqued and stripped bolt on the intermediate steering shaft connecting to the steering rack. The steering column module, shaft, and rack were replaced. This was the second major steering incident in six months. In April, the same part had seized, making the steering extremely stiff. Tesla replaced the intermediate shaft then, but immediately after pickup, the car veered sharply left and triggered a traction control alert. Only after I returned did they perform an alignment and test drive. That means the first repair was released to me without a post-repair safety check. The October failure involved the same component, suggesting negligent workmanship or a recurring defect in the steering connection. Total loss of steering control represents a critical safety hazard that could lead to loss of life. I strongly believe this issue warrants an investigation and possible recall.

Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2025LA

The steering is stiff and hard to turn this is the second time this has happened. It happened last year around this same time. I took to Tesla service in New Orleans for repair and they said they cleaned the bolts and reconnected the line. And now the car is experiencing the same issue

Unknown or OtherCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 31, 2025IL

Reporting for our Insured: [XXX] . For additional information, please contact Kristen Huff at [email protected], phone: 888-248-8973. Date of loss: [XXX] Location: Jesup, GA Our insured [XXX] was driving a 2016 Tesla Model X, and was stopped at a traffic light with traffic ahead. Our insured advised he had his foot firmly on the brake, and without warning the vehicle accelerated forward striking the vehicle in front of him. The occupants of the vehicle that was struck by the Tesla sustained injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jun 17, 2025CO

In March of 2025, my steering of the model X became really stiff. As time went on, the problem became worse and no longer able to turn left or right without major force. I made an appointment with Tesla and took it in for servicing. At this time they changed the steering bolts and steering shaft April 23, 2025. This cost $489.70 (I will attach invoice). As soon as I picked up the vehicle my steering wheel was about 30% stuck to the right. I immediately sent a picture to tesla for them to conduct an alignment and fix the issue. They fixed the issue but around May 15th, I had a nail in my tire so I took my car in to fix it. At that time I find out that the tires on my car were exposed to the wire (I will add the picture of the tires). I replaced these tires on March 1st 2025 which is only 2 1/2 months since I replaced it. It was an indication that something is wrong so I make another appointment with Tesla to check it and get another alignment I dropped off car on June 3rd. Tesla tried to perform another alignment to find that they are not able to because the steering gear assembly needs to be replaced. I asked for clarification because I just fixed the steering components in April and they are now wanting $4900 for the steering gear assembly. As I was researching, I find that my model x was produced on May 2016 and there is a recall for Model x produced before Oct 2016 for the steering bolt and steering components if they are damaged. When I tell tesla that there is a recall t

Structure › Body
Filed May 28, 2025CA

The following is copied from: NHTSA ID Number: 11487520 Incident Date [XXX] Consumer Location SAN JOSE, CA On nine separate documented occasions, the passenger front wheel molding trim piece, in which one of the proximity sensors is mounted, completely detached, causing the proximity sensor to alarm continuously. On two of these nine occasions, the trim piece detached while the vehicle was traveling on the road, and on one of these two occasions, the vehicle was traveling on the highway at highway speeds. On this occasion, after detaching completely, the trim piece was observed through the rear view and side mirrors, shattering on the road and scattering debris across the highway, potentially causing a traffic hazard for the cars following. On this last occasion, the vehicle was also traveling with the assistance of the Adaptive Cruse Control and Forward Collision Warning features, which both caused the vehicle's emergency avoidance systems to activate when the proximity sensor was falsely triggered. If there were other vehicles nearby, this could have caused a high speed accident as my vehicle executed both an emergency braking and collision avoidance maneuver for no real reason. Please note that I have documented reports of the possible safety issues due to the wheel well trim detaching to the Tesla service department for several of the times I've had the vehicle in for repair. In all nine instances, I've been told that my vehicle is the only one that exhibits this problem.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed May 27, 2025NY

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?

20 of 448 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266000Routine
202515300Routine
202426800Routine
20231921720Routine
20221262220Routine
2021412400Routine
20201271000Routine
2019100830Routine
2018192920Routine
20172681012Fatalities reported
2016 — this page4481241Fatalities reported
20150200Routine

Compare every Model X year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 15, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.