2016 Tesla Model X Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Tesla Model X has a Complaint Index of 90, ranking 2nd worst out of 11 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints lead at 35% of all reports, with 12 recall campaigns on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #2 of 11 Model X years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 448
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 62
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 36
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 92
- 90 city / 94 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 36 / 1
Top 2016 Tesla Model X problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires155 (35%)
- Electrical System100 (22%)
- Other90 (20%)
- Structure & Body70 (16%)
- Steering58 (13%)
- Engine43 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras34 (8%)
- Brakes33 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers33 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front or rear suspension components reportedly separate or collapse, sometimes with a wheel breaking off during normal driving.
- Suspension ball joints have reportedly popped apart, in some cases linked to a wheel and suspension assembly detaching before a crash.
- Owners describe the vehicle suddenly veering or accelerating on its own while parking or at low speed, leading to a crash.
- Some crash reports describe airbags failing to deploy despite a frontal impact.
- Drivers using Autopilot report the vehicle veering off the road or failing to warn before an acceleration event that ended in a collision.
- Several post-crash reports mention the vehicle catching fire afterward, including incidents in salvage yards.
2016 Tesla Model X recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V615000Aug 15, 2024Structure & Body9,136 vehicles
Structure:body
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.
- NHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat Belts125,233 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices
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.
- NHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024Electrical System2,193,869 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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.
2016 Tesla Model X fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 90 MPG
- Highway
- 94 MPG
- Combined
- 92 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Model X years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Tesla Model X reliable?
- Among Model X years, 2016 ranks 2nd worst out of 11 with a Complaint Index of 90 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Tesla Model X?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints make up 35% of all reports for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 20,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Tesla Model X have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2016 Model X, covering areas including Structure & Body, Steering, Electrical System, and HVAC, with none marked do-not-drive.
- How does 2016 compare to other Model X years?
- The 2016 Model X's Complaint Index of 90 is higher than most other years; only 2017 scores worse at 100. Years like 2021 and 2024 rank as Best with much lower indexes of 20 and 10.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Tesla Model X?
- EPA rates the 2016 Model X at 92 MPG combined (90 city / 94 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $850.