Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Tesla Model X
SUV · Electric · 9 versions · owner report
Ranked #4 of 18 luxury midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (262 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor build quality and reliability
Very frequent mentions of squeaks, rattles, odd noises, and various quality control defects affecting the S and X platforms.
- RecurrentHigh repair costs and complexity
Cited as inevitable for older models, with few independent specialists and expensive Tesla service parts, particularly concerning for "Legacy" models.
- IsolatedFalcon wing door problems
Mentioned as a potential failure point to inspect thoroughly before purchase.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedAccelerated inner tire wear
A noted common issue requiring regular inspection to prevent blowouts; budget approximately $1,500 USD per year for tires.
- IsolatedSoftware update disparity
"Legacy" vehicles (pre-refresh, especially pre-2021 RHD) receive few to no meaningful software updates, missing out on new features.
- IsolatedLarge physical dimensions
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best version." Owner discussions indicate important generational divides: post-March 2018 vehicles with the MCU2 (Intel) infotainment are considered the minimum viable for features like Sentry Mode. The May 2019 "Raven" update is noted for improved suspension, motors, and range. The post-2021 refresh with the "Plaid" drivetrain and structural updates is mentioned as being significantly lighter. There is no dominant recommendation for a specific trim or model year as the best overall.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, BMW iX, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation. Long-term owner reports for high-mileage examples (e.g., 350,000 miles) highlight impressive battery durability with minimal degradation and low maintenance costs, fostering strong positive sentiment regarding powertrain longevity and efficiency. However, there is a very frequent and sharp criticism regarding build quality, reliability, and quality control across multiple model years, particularly for the S and X platforms compared to the Model 3/Y. Owners describe these vehicles as "shoddily built" with recurrent issues like squeaks, rattles, odd noises, and various minor defects. The complex, low-volume nature of the Model X is cited as a source of inevitable, costly repairs, especially for older models in regions like the UK. The vehicle is praised for its technology, software, app features, and the Supercharger network, but these positives are often tempered by concerns over long-term ownership costs and perceived interior material quality compared to luxury segment competitors.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a tech-forward family SUV but frequently compared unfavorably to newer competitors in specific areas. The Rivian R1S is noted as a superior off-road family hauler. The Lucid Gravity is cited as leading in interior quality, packaging ("big on the inside, small on the outside"), and driving experience. The BMW iX is mentioned for potentially superior real-world range and a more extensive service network. The Model X retains a strong advantage in software features, infotainment, and access to the Tesla Supercharger network and Full Self-Driving capability. However, it is consistently described as lagging behind competitors in build quality, interior material refinement, and noise isolation.
Recommended configurations
Specific configuration advice is limited. One mention suggests the 6-seater layout for family use. A strong, recurrent recommendation is to avoid older "Legacy" Model X vehicles (pre-2021, especially in right-hand-drive markets like the UK that stopped production in 2020) due to a lack of software updates, higher complexity, and greater repair costs and difficulties. For used purchases, a detailed pre-purchase inspection is universally advised, with specific checks for falcon wing door operation, tire wear on the inner rim, battery degradation, and error codes in the service menu.
General recommendations
Suitable for tech-oriented families who prioritize software, charging network convenience, and performance. Potentially suitable as a used purchase only for those who secure a comprehensive warranty, perform an exhaustive inspection, and budget significantly for potential repairs. NOT recommended for buyers seeking benchmark luxury interior quality, silent refinement, or proven long-term reliability without high maintenance costs. Strongly discouraged for those considering older, high-mileage examples without extensive due diligence and a dedicated repair fund. For new purchases, cross-shop thoroughly against newer competitors like the Rivian R1S and Lucid Gravity which may offer superior build quality and driving dynamics.
Remarks
Owner discussions span nearly a decade, from early reviews (2016-2017) to recent comparisons (2025-2026), making it critical to separate feedback by generation. The "Legacy" (pre-2021) and "Refreshed" (post-2021) Model X are effectively different vehicles in terms of hardware, with the refresh receiving improvements to weight, drivetrain, and electronics. The most substantive long-term reliability data points (e.g., 350,000-mile example) refer to earlier models and may not reflect the refreshed vehicle's long-term durability. The strong consensus on poor build quality for the S/X platform is a recurring theme that appears to persist across model years in owner discussions, contrasting with more positive reports about Model 3/Y build quality. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions directly referencing the Model X.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2017, 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Tesla Model X years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2025 | 15 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2024 | 26 | 8 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2023 | 199 | 17 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 128 | 22 | steering |
| 2021 | 123 | 24 | steering |
| 2020 | 384 | 10 | suspension |
| 2019 | 365 | 8 | suspension |
| 2018 | 700 | 9 | suspension |
| 2017 | 1,185 | 10 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 2,085 | 12 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices123 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · air bags:frontal:driver side:cushioncampaign 24V967000
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."
2025 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V002000
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."
2025 · air bagscampaign 25V172000
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.
2024 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 24V051000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2024 · seat belts:front:warning light/devicescampaign 24V376000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2024 · latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchcampaign 24V554000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
2024 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 24V904000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Model X vehicles. The parking lights and low beam headlights may flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2024 · air bags:frontal:driver side:cushioncampaign 24V967000
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."
2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V002000
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."
2024 · air bagscampaign 25V172000
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.
2024 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 23V743000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
2023 · air bags: air bag/restraint control module:softwarecampaign 22V843000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The restraint control module (RCM) calibration may cause the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2023 · steering:automated/adaptive steeringcampaign 23V085000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
2023 · back over preventioncampaign 23V244000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model X vehicles equipped with a full self-driving computer 4.0 and running software release version 2023.2.200. Weak camera signal strength may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · forward collision avoidance: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V489000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
108 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Plaid 100 kWh Dual Motor
Electric · 1020 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2021–2026