2016 Tesla MODEL X
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Tesla MODEL X has 681 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.2x the segment average of 210. The most common issue is suspension problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: here is a model x in the salvage yard. it is almost brand new but the front suspension has fallen apart. https://m.iaai.com/vehicledetenc.aspx?auctionid=0&itemid=22034238&rowid=36&pagesource=vehicleresults# the close up photograph reveals a lower suspension ball joint that has fallen apart. there. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.
681
Total Complaints
12
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
3.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
SUSPENSION
150 complaints- • HERE IS A MODEL X IN THE SALVAGE YARD. IT IS ALMOST BRAND NEW BUT THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN APART. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=22034238&ROWID=36&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# THE CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPH REVEALS A LOWER SUSPENSION BALL JOINT THAT HAS FALLEN APART. THERE
- • HERE ARE TWO MODEL X CARS AT A REPAIR SHOP. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. THEY BOTH HAVE FRONT SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE BLACK CAR IN THE FOREGROUND HAS THE FRONT WHEEL SLICED IN HALF. THIS CAN ONLY BE THE RESULT OF A BROKEN SUSPENSION COMPONENT. ELON MUSK HAS TWEETED THAT THE NHTSA HAS CLEARED TESLA
- • I AM NOT OWNER BUT AM FILING ON BEHALF OF CHINESE OWNER WHO HAD ACCIDENT IN MONTANA AT 2AM 7/09/2016. DRIVER NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED CAR TO VEER TO THE RIGHT OFF THE ROAD BUT FRONT RIGHT WHEEL IS OFF. SPEED WAS 56 TO 60 MPH MONTANA STATE POLICE RESPONDED. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/MY-FR
“HERE IS A MODEL X IN THE SALVAGE YARD. IT IS ALMOST BRAND NEW BUT THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN APART. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=22034238&ROWID=36&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# THE CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPH REVEALS A LOWER SUSPENSION BALL JOINT THAT HAS FALLEN APART. THERE”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Tesla MODEL X
Based on 397 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
SUSPENSION
OTHER
BODY/STRUCTURE
STEERING
VISIBILITY
SPEED CONTROL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (12)
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."
Risk: If the seat back moves forward in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla service technicians will correct the cable adjustment for the left-side, fold-flat, second row, seat recliner mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-13-004.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Tesla MODEL X
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Tesla MODEL X
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL X Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2016 MODEL X, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2016 Tesla MODEL X
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 681 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐SUSPENSION: HERE IS A MODEL X IN THE SALVAGE YARD. IT IS ALMOST BRAND NEW BUT THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN APART. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=22034238&ROWID=36&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# THE CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPH REVEALS A LOWER SUSPENSION BALL JOINT THAT HAS FALLEN APART. THERE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: FALCON WING DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE. I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET THE DOOR TO CLOSE AND LOCK AND ALL ATTEMPTS TO CLOSE AND LOCK THE DOOR FAILED. TESLA HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: FALCON DOORS NOT CLOSING, REAR DRIVER SEAT ELECTRICAL DEAD, WARNING LIGHT BLOCKING BACKUP CAMERA READING REAR SEATS NOT IN PLACE, ALL INSULATION PEELING OFF ABOVE TIRES, BUBBLING PAINT, TRUNK AND SIDE PANELS MISALIGNED SO TILTED TRUNK HOOD AND FINGER GOES IN ONE GAP BUT FINGERNAIL ONLY BARELY IN OTH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: I AM NOT OWNER BUT AM FILING ON BEHALF OF CHINESE OWNER WHO HAD ACCIDENT IN MONTANA AT 2AM 7/09/2016. DRIVER NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED CAR TO VEER TO THE RIGHT OFF THE ROAD BUT FRONT RIGHT WHEEL IS OFF. SPEED WAS 56 TO 60 MPH MONTANA STATE POLICE RESPONDED. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/MY-FR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL X — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 681
- Recalls
- 12
- Fire reports
- 7
- Crash reports
- 90
- Injury reports
- 52
- Segment avg
- 210
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Tesla MODEL X