Tesla Model X Best and Worst Years (2015–2025)
Tesla Model X years to avoid are 2016, 2017, and 2023, which carry complaint index scores of 90, 100, and 80 out of the model's range, well above other years. Best years are 2021 and 2024, each with a complaint index of 20 or lower and no verdict cap despite high recall counts.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 11
- 2015–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,538
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Crashes reported
- 188
- Fires reported
- 14
- Top problem area
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Model X Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Tesla Model X problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 90 | 448 | 62 | 4 | 12 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 92 | — |
| 2017 | Avoid | 100 | 268 | 24 | 1 | 10 | Electrical System | 90.5 | — |
| 2018 | Caution | 70 | 192 | 35 | 2 | 9 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 87 | — |
| 2019 | Good | 40 | 100 | 13 | 3 | 8 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 87 | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 60 | 127 | 17 | 0 | 10 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 96 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 20 | 41 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Steering | 97 | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 50 | 127 | 12 | 2 | 22 | Steering | 98 | — |
| 2023 | Avoid | 80 | 194 | 18 | 2 | 17 | Steering | 98 | — |
| 2024 | Best | 10 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 8 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 98 | — |
| 2025 | Good | 30 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 94 | — |
Model X years to avoid: what went wrong
2017 Tesla Model X Index 100 · 268 complaints · 10 recalls
The 2017 Model X has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 268 complaints, 24 crashes, 58 injuries, and 52 deaths. Electrical system issues led at 29% of complaints (median 32,000 miles), followed by suspension, wheels and tires at 23% (median 20,000 miles) and steering at 19% (median 31,881 miles). Owners described sudden unintended acceleration events while parking, some ending in collisions with buildings or other cars, and airbags failing to deploy in some crashes. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this year.
2017 electrical system problems →2017 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2017 steering problems →
2016 Tesla Model X Index 90 · 448 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2016 Model X posted 448 complaints and a complaint index of 90, the second-highest of any year, with 62 crashes, 4 fires, 36 injuries, and 1 death. Suspension, wheels and tires accounted for 35% of complaints at a median 20,000 miles, followed by electrical system problems at 22% and a median 50,000 miles. Owners reported suspension arms and ball joints separating, sometimes tied to crashes and fires. NHTSA logged 12 recall campaigns for this year, including a roof trim adhesion issue and a seat belt chime software fault.
2016 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 structure & body problems →
2023 Tesla Model X Index 80 · 194 complaints · 17 recalls
The 2023 Model X shows a complaint index of 80 with 194 complaints, 18 crashes, 2 fires, and 12 injuries. Steering issues were the top category at 24% of complaints with a median failure mileage of just 300, followed by electrical system problems at 12% (median 1,000 miles). Owners reported sudden acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers and brake pedals that failed to stop the vehicle, in some cases causing crashes into structures or other vehicles. NHTSA recorded 17 recall campaigns for this year, including camera and airbag horn pad issues.
2023 steering problems →2023 electrical system problems →2023 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
Most common Tesla Model X problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Other363 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires361 (23%)
- Electrical System321 (21%)
- Steering263 (17%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras217 (14%)
- Structure & Body189 (12%)
- Engine143 (9%)
- Brakes116 (8%)
- Lane Departure63 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers62 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What Tesla Model X years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, 2016, 2017, and 2023 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 90, 100, and 80 respectively, all above the model's typical range.
- What is the best year for the Tesla Model X?
- 2021 and 2024 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 10, the lowest among all model years, despite 2021 having 24 recall campaigns and 2024 having 8.
- Is the 2017 Tesla Model X reliable?
- The 2017 Model X has the highest complaint index (100) of any Model X year, with 268 complaints including 58 injuries and 52 deaths reported to NHTSA, and 10 recall campaigns.
- What problems does the 2023 Tesla Model X have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Model X center on steering (24% of complaints, median 300 miles) and electrical system issues (12%, median 1,000 miles), with owners reporting sudden acceleration and brake failures during parking.
- How many complaints and recalls does the Tesla Model X have overall?
- Across the 2015-2025 Model X lineup, NHTSA has logged 1,538 complaints and 39 recall campaigns.