2023 Tesla Model X Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2023 Tesla Model X has a complaint index of 80, ranking 3rd worst among 11 model years and earning an Avoid verdict. Owners most often reported steering problems (46 complaints, 24% of total), followed by electrical system and collision avoidance/camera issues, with 17 recalls tied to this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #3 of 11 Model X years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 194
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 17
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 18
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 98
- 103 city / 93 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2023 Tesla Model X problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other91 (47%)
- Steering46 (24%)
- Electrical System23 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras21 (11%)
- Structure & Body16 (8%)
- Brakes12 (6%)
- Airbags9 (5%)
- Seat Belts9 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (5%)
- Lane Departure8 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden, unintended acceleration while parking or entering a driveway, sometimes ending in a collision with a garage door, wall, or another vehicle.
- Some drivers say the brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle even when pressed fully to the floor during an unintended acceleration event.
- Multiple owners describe the touch-sensitive horn button on the steering wheel as hard to locate quickly, delaying horn use in emergency situations.
- One owner reported a front passenger heated seat activating remotely on its own, producing smoke and a burning smell severe enough to create a hole in the seat.
- An owner reported airbags failing to deploy in a low-speed collision with a pole, along with a door that became inoperable afterward.
2023 Tesla Model X recalls
17 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 25V002000Jan 6, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras239,382 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
2023 Tesla Model X fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 103 MPG
- Highway
- 93 MPG
- Combined
- 98 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $750
- 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.
2023 compared with other Model X years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Tesla Model X reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2023 Model X 3rd worst out of 11 model years with a complaint index of 80, and it carries an Avoid verdict based on owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Tesla Model X?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 46 complaints, or 24% of all complaints filed for this year, with a median failure mileage of 300 miles.
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model X have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns tied to the 2023 Model X, covering areas including collision avoidance cameras, airbags, electrical systems, and seat belts.
- How does the 2023 Model X compare to other years?
- The 2023 model's complaint index of 80 is worse than the 2019 (40, Good), 2021 (20, Best), and 2024 (10, Best) model years, but better than 2016 (90, Avoid) and 2017 (100, Avoid).
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2023 Model X?
- NHTSA data shows 18 crashes, 2 fires, and 12 injuries reported for the 2023 Model X, with no deaths recorded.