YearToAvoid

2017 Tesla Model X Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 15 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model X, 6% of its 268 total complaints for the year. Reports include second-row seat latching/reclining failures, falcon-wing door and window seal issues, and door-latch malfunctions, with one recall (17V639000) tied to second-row seat recliner cables. Median mileage at failure was 30,000.

Structure & Body complaints
15
6% of 268
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
30,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Second-row seats fail to lock or recline properly, in some cases allowing the seat to move freely with a child seat installed.
  • Front or driver-side door latches malfunction, sometimes preventing the door from opening with either the manual or electronic release.
  • Falcon-wing door window seals detach while driving and can strike nearby objects or vehicles.
  • Front passenger door actuator fails, requiring the interior handle to open the door.
  • Exterior window trim/chrome pieces detach while the window is being rolled up.
  • Central body controller module failures block keyfob entry.

When 2017 Tesla Model X body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 24, 2017, latest May 31, 2026.

2017 Tesla Model X structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month2Oct 2017Jul 2018Jan 2021Mar 2022Jul 2024Sep 2024Mar 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2017 to May 2026; peak Mar 2026 (2).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model X

  1. 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.

Structure & Body 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. 201670 (16%)
  3. 201715 (6%)
  4. 201833 (17%)
  5. 201916 (16%)
  6. 202015 (12%)
  7. 20214 (10%)
  8. 202215 (12%)
  9. 202316 (8%)
  10. 20244 (15%)
  11. 20251 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA lists 15 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Model X, which is 6% of the 268 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2017 Model X?
Yes. Recall 17V639000, reported October 12, 2017, covers 2016-2017 Model X vehicles whose left-side, second-row, reclining seat backs may not fully latch due to incorrectly adjusted recliner cables.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 30,000 miles.
Did any of these complaints involve crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 3 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Model X, and no fires.
How does the 2017 Model X compare to other years for this problem area?
The 2017 model's 15 complaints (6% share) are lower than 2016's 70 complaints (16% share) and 2018's 33 complaints (17% share), suggesting 2017 had comparatively fewer Structure & Body reports.

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.