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2016 Tesla Model X problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Tesla Model X has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 417owner complaints
- 59crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 32injuries reported
The most complained-about Tesla Model X year on file: 417 complaints, against an average of 99 for the other 10 model years.
Every Tesla Model X model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Tesla Model X?
The components named most often in the 417 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Tesla Model X owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 417 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Tesla Model X been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model X as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Tesla Model X recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAWhen the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display
Risk: When the eMMC reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display.
Fix: Ensure current software is installed and upgrade the VCM daughterboard to a 64GB Micron eMMC.
UK DVSASeat may not correctly latch
Risk: The left-side fold-flat second row seat may have a misadjusted cable that controls the recliner mechanisms. Incorrect adjustment may prevent one of the recliners from fully latching.
Fix: On affected vehicles check cable and adjust if necessary.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag will not deployYears estimated
Risk: Due to a firmware error the vehicle's restraint control module will not recognise the passenger seat is occupied. In the event of an accident the passenger airbag will not deploy
Fix: On affected vehicles the updated software will be downloaded to the vehicle. However the installation of the software will immobilise the vehicle and the vehicle keepr should install when the vehicle is suitably parked up. .
UK DVSAParking brake may not release correctly
Risk: An improperly manufactured internal caliper gear may fail. This may cause the EPB not to release and in some circumstances not to apply. An EPB warning light and message should appear.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the brake caliper.
EU Safety GateDue to defective adhesive bonding, a decorative trim strip may become detached from the vehicle.Consequently, in may fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe cable controlling the adjustment mechanisms for the left-hand seat in the second row could be badly-adjusted.In the event of a crash, this could lead to the backrest moving forwards, increasing the risk of injury for the occupant of the seat.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2016 Tesla Model X owners report?
12 of the 417 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Hi, several alerts have popped up, Regenerative braking unavailable, Park Assist unavailable, Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable, Traction control disabled, Stability control disabled, ABS (anti-lock braking system) disabled. The odd thing is that the alerts come and go as they please. I can't figure out what it is. Could be software related. Possibly a software update has messed it up?
Sudden and catastrophic shearing of the driver side rear suspension arm (control arm). My understanding is all these cars from Tesla have aluminum suspension arms which causes identical and catastrophic failure of the vehicle during driving due to choice of Aluminum instead of stainless steel(SS). Aluminum has an ultimate tensile strength of only 90 MPa while SS can exceed 500 MPa. Since my car got disabled completely (motor gets disconnected from the wheel) I almost lost my life with vehicles coming at high speed from behind. I saw the same control arm failures with Tesla cars including S and…
The contact owned a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15 MPH from a traffic light, the vehicle was T-boned by another vehicle attempting to run the red light. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into the driver’s side front fender panel of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s door was not impacted in the crash. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. However, the contact’s wife was stuck in the vehicle, and unable to exit the vehicle because the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the…
I was parking my car at home when all of a sudden there was a violent/sudden drop in the front of my car. I initially thought I got a flat tire, but when I took a look the entire front suspension was shot and dropped as low as possible. The Model X feels and is very unsafe to drive and has a grainding sound like the car is about to fall a part.
My 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN [XXX] ) was manufactured in March 2016 according to the sticker on the driver door. My car is experiencing the same issue as the Tesla Service Bulletin #SB-17-33-002 under NHTSA's recall # 17V2600 when putting the vehicle into drive or reverse from park. Tesla is stating they can not perform the service work because there is no recall specifically for my VIN# even though the car is showing the same error messages on the diagnostics screen and showing the same symptoms and failure as the recall and service bulletin. The repair requires the replacement of the parking…
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact’s wife attempted to open the driver’s side rear door however, the door failed to open as intended. The contact’s wife noticed a crushing sound. The driver’s side rear top door glass engaged with the fractured center spine trim and the driver’s rear door top glass simultaneously fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured center roof trim. The contact was informed that the center spine roof trim and the driver’s side rear door glass need to be replaced…
To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I was informed that mismatched tires and front-end components were contributing to the problem, and repairs were completed. However, the original issue persisted. Subsequent visits for additional repairs…
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and concern regarding a serious safety incident involving our Tesla Model X. On Feb 25th, while driving on the freeway, the roof of our vehicle unexpectedly detached and fell off. This incident posed a significant safety risk to ourselves and other motorists. We immediately contacted Tesla to report the issue and were shocked to learn that they considered this a non-covered incident and would require us to pay over $600 for repairs. We strongly believe that this is a clear defect in the vehicle's design or construction and should not be the…
While parking, the accelerator pedal increased in speed without being pressed and the car had a sudden unexpected acceleration and crashed into a column in a parking lot.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaky and clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the front driver's side and the passenger's side front upper control arms links and bushings were replaced, and the four-wheel alignment was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly resistant. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the intermediate lower steering column…
The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.
Power steering went out, and it was very difficult to turn the car, I called Tesla, and asked for a repair, I also stated the 20V062000 NHTSA recall and was told my car was not on warranty, my car fits exactly the recall number listed by NHTSA, I requested a refund and was denied. I had to drive the car 88 miles to Raleigh, I was put at a very high risk of safety to get the car fixed the steering was hard to pull and control, especially on stops and turns. NO warning messages, I discovered it when I was backing my car in the garage and did not drive it until I had to drive to Raleigh to get it…
2016 Tesla Model X: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Tesla Model X reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 417 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model X; the most common categories were suspension (148, 35.5%), electrical system (90, 21.6%), structure (54, 12.9%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 59 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 32 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Tesla Model X?
Across 417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are suspension (35.5% of complaints), electrical system (21.6% of complaints), structure (12.9% of complaints), steering (10.6% of complaints), vehicle speed control (7.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Tesla Model X have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model X. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2016 Tesla Model X?
61 of the 417 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model X (14.6%) describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. One owner wrote: "The suspension (the front half shaft) has repeatedly failed and has been replaced multiple times by Tesla. First it was replaced under warranty and now we are paying for it as it is no longer covered under the warranty." (NHTSA complaint 11517670, April 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2016 Tesla Model X?
21 of the 417 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model X (5%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2016 tesla model x. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v035000 (back over prevention, visibility, exterior lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available." (NHTSA complaint 11414183, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Tesla Model X accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
15 of the 417 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model X (3.6%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "While parking, the accelerator pedal increased in speed without being pressed and the car had a sudden unexpected acceleration and crashed into a column in a parking lot." (NHTSA complaint 11609053, August 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Model X
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MODEL X 60D, MODEL X 75D, MODEL X 90D, MODEL X P100D and MODEL X P90D.