2021 Tesla Model X Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Tesla Model X ranks 9th of 11 model years with a complaint index of 20 and a Best verdict, the lowest risk in the lineup alongside 2024. It has 41 complaints and 24 recall campaigns on record, with Steering the top problem area at 32% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #9 of 11 Model X years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 41
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 24
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 97
- 100 city / 95 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2021 Tesla Model X problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power steering assist can drop out while driving around 45 mph, triggering a warning light and making the vehicle hard to steer, sometimes requiring a restart.
- The center touchscreen and instrument computer has rebooted or gone dark for a couple of minutes while driving, disabling turn signals and speedometer.
- A lower control arm reportedly cracked and separated, causing a rear wheel and suspension to detach from the vehicle.
- Front half shafts have failed multiple times on the same vehicle, described as a safety hazard.
- After a software update, some owners report the steering wheel losing control assist and the vehicle stopping mid-road with a lane departure warning.
- Under moderate to heavy acceleration, owners describe a rattling or grinding noise from the drivetrain that Tesla called normal.
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?
- Among the 11 model years with data, 2021 has the second-lowest complaint index (20) and carries a Best verdict, making it one of the lower-risk years for this model based on NHTSA complaints.
- What problems does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?
- NHTSA data shows 41 complaints for this year, with Steering the top problem area at 32% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 17% and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 15%.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?
- NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns tied to this year, covering areas like airbags, seat belts, electrical systems, and collision avoidance cameras, none of them do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Tesla Model X years should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2016 and 2017 rank worst with indexes of 90 and 100 and Avoid verdicts, while 2023 also carries an Avoid verdict with an index of 80.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tesla Model X?
- EPA rates the 2021 Model X at 97 mpg combined (100 city, 95 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $800.