2016 Tesla Model X

Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2016 Tesla Model X: common problems and reliability

One of the worst Model X years.

One of the Tesla Model X years to avoid. All Model X years

2,085 owner complaints, most about suspension. 12 recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Model X?

The 2016 Tesla Model X has 2085 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

2,085
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
295
Crash reports
20
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Tesla Model X vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Model X years only. How we score it

Is 2016 a good year for the Model X?

Across the 11 Model X model years we track, complaint volume runs from 123 (2021) to 2,085 (2016). With 2,085 complaints, the 2016 Model X sits above the model's median of 199.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

suspension
740
electrical system
450
structure
270
steering
220
vehicle speed control
165

Recalls affecting the 2016 Model X

seats:mid/rear assembly

Campaign 17V639000

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."

parking brake

Campaign 17V260000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.

seats:mid/rear assembly

Campaign 16V192000

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2016 Model X vehicles manufactured September 29, 2015, to March 30, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software

Campaign 22V037000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Show 8 more recalls

back over prevention:software

Campaign 21V035000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 20V062000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Model X vehicles. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

structure:body

Campaign 20V710000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have been adhered to the vehicle without first using primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle while moving.

steering:automated/adaptive steering

Campaign 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.

electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software

Campaign 23V838000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 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."

seat belts:front:warning light/devices

Campaign 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."

structure:body

Campaign 24V615000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces may be adhered to the vehicle without primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Model X. See the full Model X owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Model X listings typically run $23,235–$51,640.

Other Model X model years

Compare every Model X year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Model X against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy