2016 Tesla Model X Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#2 most-complained of 11 Model X years
The 2016 Tesla Model X ranks 2nd-worst of 11 model years, with a Complaint Index of 90 and 448 complaints logged with NHTSA, including 62 crashes, 4 fires, and 12 recalls. Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area at 35% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 448
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 62 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 36 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 92
- 90 city / 94 hwy
Top 2016 Tesla Model X problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report suspension and wheel failures, including snapped rear wheels and collapsed front suspension with no significant impact recorded.
- Some vehicles reportedly caught fire after crashes involving suspension or ball-joint separation, with one case showing a popped-apart top ball joint tied to a wheel and suspension found detached before the crash scene.
- Airbags failed to deploy in some low-speed parking incidents, including a car that owners say accelerated on its own into a wood fence.
- Owners describe Autopilot-related incidents where the vehicle veered unexpectedly and struck fixed objects at highway speed without warning.
- One report describes falcon-wing rear doors that could not be opened by rear occupants after a crash.
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 11 model years of the Model X, 2016 ranks 2nd-worst with a Complaint Index of 90 and carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Tesla Model X?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 35% of complaints (155 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 20,000 miles and 17 crashes linked to this area.
- Does the 2016 Tesla Model X have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2016 Model X, covering areas including Structure & Body, Electrical System, Steering, Seat Belts, and HVAC; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 Model X compare to other years?
- The 2016 Model X has a Complaint Index of 90, close to the worst year 2017 at 100, while 2021 and 2024 rank best with indexes of 10 and 20.
- How fuel-efficient is the 2016 Tesla Model X?
- EPA rates the 2016 Model X at 92 MPGe combined (90 city, 94 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $850.