Does the 2016 Tesla Model X have engine problems?

NHTSA lists 43 complaints in the engine problem area for the 2016 Tesla Model X, which is 10% of the 448 total complaints filed for that model year.

Are there crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

Yes. Among the complaints related to this area, NHTSA records show 20 crashes and 6 injuries.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Model X engine issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Model X.

At what mileage do these problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure for these complaints is 4,000 miles.

How does 2016 compare to other Model X years for this problem area?

The 2016 Model X had 43 complaints in this area versus 21 in 2017 and 21 in 2018, making 2016 the highest complaint count among the years listed.

2016 Tesla Model X Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 43 engine-area complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model X, 10% of its 448 total complaints that year. These reports include 20 crashes and 6 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 4,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 43; 10% of 448
Crashes reported: 20
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 4,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own while parking or slowly maneuvering at low speed, often ending in a collision with a fence, wall, or building.
Several report that pressing the brake pedal did not stop or slow the car once the unintended acceleration began.
Airbags either failed to deploy during a low-speed crash or deployed unexpectedly, in one case causing burn marks to an occupant.
Some describe the car lurching forward while backing up or pulling out of a driveway, striking another parked vehicle or object.
One owner tied the sudden movement to the self-driving feature engaging while pulling into a driveway.

When 2016 Tesla Model X engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 7, 2016, latest Jul 19, 2026.

43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2016 to Jul 2026; peak Sep 2016 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model X

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model X model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20150 (0%)
201643 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201821 (11%)
201913 (13%)
202019 (15%)
20214 (10%)
202213 (10%)
20237 (4%)
20242 (8%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Tesla Model X have engine problems?: NHTSA lists 43 complaints in the engine problem area for the 2016 Tesla Model X, which is 10% of the 448 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: Yes. Among the complaints related to this area, NHTSA records show 20 crashes and 6 injuries.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Model X engine issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Model X.
At what mileage do these problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure for these complaints is 4,000 miles.
How does 2016 compare to other Model X years for this problem area?: The 2016 Model X had 43 complaints in this area versus 21 in 2017 and 21 in 2018, making 2016 the highest complaint count among the years listed.