2021 Tesla Model X Problems
Compared with other Tesla Model X years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Tesla Model X year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 18 of its 41 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Steering (13 complaints, median 8,000 mi).
- 24 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 41filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 1,650miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 24campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 3 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 97 MPGecombined, Electric AWD · 100 city / 95 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Tesla Model X (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 41 consumer complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model X. The part named most often is steering, with 13 complaints (32% of the total), followed by other or unknown (9) and electrical system (7). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 1,650 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns and 87 technical service bulletins for this model year. Steering complaints overlap with 4 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 41 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 7 Tesla Model X model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering13 32%
- Other or unknown9 22%
- Electrical system7 17%
- Suspension6 15%
- Lane departure5 12%
- Vehicle speed control4 9.8%
- Body and structure2 4.9%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Brakes (1), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “After an update I was reversing my car , car stopped in middle of road and steering wheel lost control with sign of steering assist reduced and lane departure ..... It was a death scare. I contacted Tesla, 3 weeks ago and today my car has gone for repair. I hear that model y and 3 are recalled. I can not trust driving Tesla Model X car any more.”
NHTSA complaint #11535984, filed 2023-08Other or unknown: “12v Battery is keep discharging in every two to three months. Tesla service can't find issues or not telling me what is the reason. I have got 5 replacements of 12v battery in last one year. So I think there is a issue in car or bug they are not able to fix it because of limitation. Please let me know how to handle this.”
NHTSA complaint #11620318, filed 2024-10Electrical system: “I purchased a Tesla Model X on 14 nov 2020 and had been driving just around 2 months. At around 11:10pm or so as we were cruising on the I-580, and were 2 exits north of the 680 highway, the entire instrument cluster in the car which included the large screen and the driver's instrument panel went completely dark. We were baffled as this was something we never encountered before. We began pulling over to the side when after about a couple of mins the lights came on and the panel showed that we had just around 30 miles of range left. …”
NHTSA complaint #11406053, filed 2021-04, 40 milesForward collision avoidance: “My SD card failed and had to be replaced on my 2021 model X. The car's screens went completely blank during the 2021.24.3 software update. Car lost all power while park, failed to turn on after 3+ hours, had to be towed to service center. There was told the SD card failed and had to be replaced. This faulty SD card seems to be more than just a 2016-2018 issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11431269, filed 2021-08Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 100 and 2,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Tesla Model X. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model X 5-SEAT · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| Model X 6-SEAT · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| Model X 7-SEAT · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| Model X 5-SEAT · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 |
| Model X 6-SEAT · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 |
| Model X 7-SEAT · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Tesla Model X version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model X Long Range Plus AWD | Electric | single-speed | 109 | 101 | 105 MPGe | $700 |
| Model X Performance (20in Wheels) AWD | Electric | single-speed | 100 | 95 | 97 MPGe | $800 |
| Model X Performance (22in Wheels) AWD | Electric | single-speed | 89 | 83 | 86 MPGe | $900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V283000May 4, 2026Back over prevention › SoftwareCovers: Tesla Model X 2021–2023, Model Y 2020–2023, Model 3 2017, 2021–2023 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these…
- 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Air bagsCovers: Tesla Model X 2021–2025, Model S 2021–2024
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.
- 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › CushionCovers: Tesla Model X 2021–2025, Model S 2021–2025
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…
- 24V554000Jul 24, 2024Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Tesla Model X 2021–2024, Model Y 2020–2024, Model S 2021–2024 +1 more
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.
- 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devicesCovers: Tesla Model X 2015–2024, Model S 2012–2024, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
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…
- 24V153000Feb 27, 2024Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Tesla Model X 2020–2021, Model S 2013, 2018–2021, Model 3 2018–2022 +1 more
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
See all 24 recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model X → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 87 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029582Feb 4, 2026Other or unknown. On some Model S and Model X vehicles, the compression gap of the HVAC drain funnel seal is wider than intended, which may cause water ingress. Inspect the sponge area of the HVAC drain funnel for…
- 11023641Sep 3, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the HV battery umbrella valves, over time, may become damaged due to road debris. Replace all 5 umbrella valves with updated parts. This new revision, R1…
- 11023640Sep 2, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built between approximately January 2021 and September 22, 2022, the High Voltage (HV) battery ports’ plungers intended for internal water leak egress (also…
- 11020190Jun 4, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the HV battery umbrella valves, over time, may become damaged due to road debris.
- 11021494May 13, 2025Electrical system. Messaging sent directly to customers who have queued with Tesla Service to perform Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002 "Replace Flood Port Plungers". The customer is informed that their vehicle is in…
- 11021493May 13, 2025Electrical system. Proactive messaging sent directly to customers affected by Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002 "Replace Flood Port Plungers". The customer is informed that their vehicle is impacted by Service Bulletin…
- 11018848May 5, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built between approximately January 2021 and September 22, 2022, the High Voltage (HV) battery ports’ plungers intended for internal water leak egress (also…
- 11018847May 2, 2025Air bags. Certain Model S and Model X vehicles were equipped with driver airbags that do not meet internal quality standards.
- 11017591Apr 3, 2025Electrical system. On certain Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles, the interior camera requires replacement to mitigate reduced driver attentiveness detection performance in low-light conditions.
- 11016319Mar 21, 2025Electrical system. Some Model S and Model X vehicles with 1st Generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antennas might suffer from lower-than-expected navigation signal strength under certain circumstances.
Other model years of the Tesla Model X
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 105 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 16 | 6,150 | 3 | — | 94 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 27 | — | 8 | — | 98 MPGe | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 194 | 4,200 | 17 | — | 98 MPGe | 77 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 129 | 9,000 | 22 | — | 98 MPGe | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 41 | 1,650 | 24 | 5 | 97 MPGe | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 128 | 5,500 | 10 | 5 | 96 MPGe | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 102 | 15,000 | 8 | 5 | 87 MPGe | 25 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 193 | 12,000 | 9 | 5 | 87 MPGe | 45 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 268 | 30,000 | 10 | 5 | 92 MPGe | 33 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 452 | 30,000 | 12 | — | 92 MPGe | 72 · More | Falling |
All Tesla Model X model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?
NHTSA recorded 41 consumer complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model X as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Tesla Model X is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 13 complaints (32% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 9.
Has the 2021 Tesla Model X been recalled?
NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Tesla Model X do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Tesla Model X 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 3 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
How efficient is the 2021 Tesla Model X according to the EPA?
The EPA rates the 2021 Tesla Model X (Model X Performance (20in Wheels), Electric) at 97 MPGe combined, 100 city and 95 highway, with an estimated annual electricity cost of $800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other battery and motor versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Tesla Model X reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 1,650 miles and the middle half falls between 100 and 2,500 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.