2016 Tesla Model X Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the seats of the 2016 Tesla Model X, 2% of the 452 complaints for this model year. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I received a letter from Tesla indicating an Important Safety Recall Notice . The letter indicated that the rear seat did not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Nos. 207 and 210. The notice suggest that one should avoid sitting in the seat. The repair would only take 10 minutes. When I tried to make an appointment the service representative said 1) that it was NOT a recall, but a Service Notice, 2) since I was out of warranty I would have to pay over $500 for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11484456, filed 2022-09“My 2016 model X has been experiencing front passenger and rear passenger safety restraint system faults off and on since we purchased the vehicle in 2019. This notification requires service and the Tesla service center has done a mixture of hardware checks, replacement of parts and keeps blaming the issues on a firmware update that will eventually happen in the future. Tesla says that when the system is tripped the airbags may not deploy and to schedule service when it happens. Because the vehicle is under a used warranty they refuse to address this as a recall or possibly defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11513115, filed 2023-03“The second tow captain rear seats are not bolted securely. The seats both rock forward and back. I brought it up to Tedla service and the representative came back with, The car is 6 years old. So does that mean Tesla Model X captain seats begin to fail after 6 years? The other issue is a steering issue. When I steer left or right I hear a clunking noise. It's not related to the control arm as it is a known issue. The odd thing is when it rains the noise goes away which I believe it may be related to a lubrication issue. When the vehicle dries up after a day or two the noise starts again.”
NHTSA complaint #11511353, filed 2023-03“There are key fobs, one each for the two drivers in the house. These are identified in the profile settings. For the past four years, after a specific update to the firmware (I can’t pinpoint which or the precise month/year), using a key fob will frequently, but erratically choose the wrong profile. Because of the difference in driver heights, this may mean that the seat is adjusting forward causing knees to quickly approach the area of the dashboard. As one example where I have pinpointed when this is likely to occur, I will have finished charging the Tesla at a supercharger. …”
NHTSA complaint #11494310, filed 2022-11“The Rear captain seats (6 seater middle row) are no longer stable. They both have a back and forth motion to them. The passenger side one makes a noticeably bad noise when the car is in motion. This is a sign that the seat is failing and has lost its proper fitment.”
NHTSA complaint #11647282, filed 2025-03Related recalls
- 17V639000Oct 12, 2017Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model X 2016–2017
- 16V192000Apr 6, 2016Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2016 Model X vehicles manufactured September 29, 2015, to March 30, 2016. In the affected vehicles…Covers: Tesla Model X 2016
Related service bulletins
- 10168253Oct 22, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10161156May 24, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10160516Apr 4, 2019On some Model X vehicles equipped with 2nd row fold-flat bench seats, the RH and/or LH seat backs might interfere with the rear door panel when the door is closed and cause NVH…
- 10153435Jan 25, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10143586Jul 9, 2018On some Model S and Model X 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result…
- 10115679Jul 14, 2017On some Model S and Model X vehicles, the connection of the hook-and-loop material that secures the seat upholstery to the seat cushion foam might weaken, causing the upholstery…
- 10081839May 27, 2016The 2nd row seat pitch pivot bolts, shoulder pivot bolts, and pitch mechanism nuts could loosen over time, causing the 2nd row seats to have excessive play or a rocking movement.
- 10081838May 25, 2016The 2nd row seat pitch pivot bolts, shoulder pivot bolts, and pitch mechanism nuts could loosen over time, causing the 2nd row seats to have excessive play or a rocking movement.
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Tesla Model X
151 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsOther or unknown
90 complaintsSteering
58 complaintsBody and structure
57 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsForward collision avoidance
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Tesla Model X
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology