YearToAvoid

2016 Tesla Model X Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model X, 3% of its 448 total complaints. These include 3 crashes and 1 injury, with a median mileage at failure of 24,372 miles. No related recalls are tied to this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
15
3% of 448
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
24,372 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or forward lurching at low speed, in some cases while parking, resulting in crashes.
  • Some describe the vehicle veering or losing control while using autopilot at highway speed, followed by a loud abnormal noise from the drivetrain.
  • Several report significant front-end vibration under acceleration linked to half-shaft wear, with the issue returning even after the half-shafts were replaced.
  • Some owners describe sudden loss of power or the vehicle slowing as if brakes were applied, with error messages appearing on the dashboard while driving.
  • One owner reported a grinding and knocking noise from the rear drive unit that varied with vehicle speed, later confirmed by a technician as originating from that unit.

When 2016 Tesla Model X transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 6, 2016, latest Sep 16, 2026.

2016 Tesla Model X transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2016Mar 2017Jun 2020Dec 2021Aug 2022Dec 2024Sep 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2024 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model X

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Model X model year

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

  1. 20150 (0%)
  2. 201615 (3%)
  3. 201710 (4%)
  4. 201811 (6%)
  5. 20192 (2%)
  6. 20208 (6%)
  7. 20213 (7%)
  8. 20224 (3%)
  9. 20231 (1%)
  10. 20241 (4%)
  11. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission or powertrain complaints does the 2016 Tesla Model X have?
NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Model X, making up 3% of its 448 total complaints for the year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Tesla Model X transmission or powertrain?
No. The data shows no related recalls tied to the Transmission & Powertrain problem area for the 2016 Model X.
At what mileage do 2016 Model X powertrain problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Model X is 24,372 miles.
Did the 2016 Model X powertrain issues cause crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data links 3 crashes and 1 injury to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Model X.
How does the 2016 Model X compare to other years for this problem area?
The 2016 Model X had 15 complaints (3% share), higher in raw count than most other years, though the 2018 model had a higher share at 6%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.