2021 Tesla Model X Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
10/100
#10 most-complained of 11 Model X years
The 2021 Tesla Model X ranks Best among Model X years, with a complaint index of 10 and 41 complaints tied to 24 recalls. Top reported issue is Steering (32% of complaints), well below higher-index years like 2016 and 2017.
- Complaints
- 41
- Recalls
- 24
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 97
- 100 city / 95 hwy
Top 2021 Tesla Model X problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering13 (32%)
- Other9 (22%)
- Electrical System7 (17%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (15%)
- Lane Departure5 (12%)
- Engine4 (10%)
- Structure & Body4 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
What owners report
- Power steering assist can cut out while driving around 45 MPH, triggering a warning light and making the vehicle hard to steer, reported near 8,000 miles.
- The main computer (MCU) reboots or goes dark for a couple of minutes while driving, disabling screens, turn signals, and speedometer, sometimes reported around 800 to 2,500 miles.
- Front half shafts have failed multiple times on the same vehicle, described as a safety hazard.
- Under acceleration, owners report a rattling or grinding sound from the drivetrain at 2,500 miles that Tesla called normal.
- A rear lower control arm reportedly cracked and let a wheel detach at 100 miles, described as a manufacturing defect rather than crash damage.
- After a software update, some owners report the steering wheel losing assist and lane-departure warnings activating unexpectedly while reversing or driving.
2021 Tesla Model X recalls
24 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Airbags91 vehicles
Air bags
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
- NHTSA 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Airbags487 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:cushion
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
2021 Tesla Model X fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 100 MPG
- Highway
- 95 MPG
- Combined
- 97 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $800
- 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.
2021 compared with other Model X years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Tesla Model X reliable?
- Compared with other Model X years, 2021 ranks Best with a complaint index of 10, the lowest along with 2024. It logged 41 complaints and 24 recalls, with Steering as the top problem area.
- What is the biggest complaint area for the 2021 Tesla Model X?
- Steering leads with 13 complaints, 32% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 8,000 miles. Electrical System issues follow at 17% of complaints, often reported around 800 miles.
- Does the 2021 Tesla Model X have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 24 recalls tied to the 2021 model, covering areas like Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Airbags, Electrical System, and Seat Belts. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Model X compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 10, 2021 ranks better than 2016 (index 90, Avoid), 2017 (index 100, Avoid), and 2023 (index 80, Avoid). Only 2024 matches its Best-tier index of 10 among the 11 years tracked.
- What mileage do problems show up at on the 2021 Model X?
- The overall median mileage at failure is 1,650 miles. Specific areas vary: Steering issues show up near 8,000 miles, while Electrical System complaints appear around 800 miles.