2016 Tesla Model X Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 70 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model X, 16% of all complaints for that model year, with 15 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 fire tied to this area. Four related recalls cover roof trim adhesion, seat latching, and third-row seat backs. Median mileage at failure was 15,000.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 70
- 16% of 448
- Crashes reported
- 15
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Median mileage
- 15,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 4
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Falcon wing doors reportedly opened on their own while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, in one case getting struck by a passing truck.
- Owners describe falcon doors that would not close or latch properly, sometimes alongside other body defects on the same vehicle.
- Some owners report the vehicle lurching or moving unexpectedly during slow-speed parking maneuvers, striking walls, curbs, or trees and causing structural damage.
- Interior and exterior finish problems were reported, including insulation peeling above the tires, bubbling paint, and trunk or side panels sitting misaligned with uneven gaps.
- One owner reported rear seat electrical failure combined with a warning light that blocked the view from the backup camera.
When 2016 Tesla Model X body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 17, 2016, latest Sep 7, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model X
- 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 20V710000Nov 17, 2020Structure & Body9,136 vehicles
Structure:body
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).
- NHTSA 17V639000Oct 12, 2017Structure & Body4,582 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
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.
- NHTSA 16V192000Apr 6, 2016Structure & Body2,676 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2016 Model X vehicles manufactured September 29, 2015, to March 30, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace all affected third row seats, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2016. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-844-248-3752 or by email at [email protected]. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-16-13-003
Structure & Body complaints by Model X model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many structure and body complaints does NHTSA show for the 2016 Tesla Model X?
- NHTSA lists 70 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Model X, which is 16% of the 448 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Are there recalls related to structure and body issues on the 2016 Model X?
- Yes. NHTSA lists four Structure & Body recalls for the 2016 Model X: roof trim adhesion (campaigns 24V615000 and 20V710000), left-side second-row seat recliner latching (17V639000), and third-row seat backs that could move forward under load (16V192000).
- Do these structure and body complaints involve crashes or injuries?
- Owner complaints in this area are linked to 15 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 fire.
- At what mileage do owners typically report structure and body failures?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 15,000 at the time these failures were reported.
- Is the falcon wing door a common complaint on the 2016 Model X?
- Sample complaints describe falcon doors opening on their own while parked or failing to close and latch properly, which falls under the Structure & Body complaint category.