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2016 Tesla Model X: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2016 Tesla Model X, most recently filed August 2024. Owners have filed 448 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the suspension.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 12campaigns 3 steering · 2 structure · 2 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 448filed Owner reports, 2016–2025 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 93mpg combined $702/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs Electric· Automatic 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (12)

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2016 Tesla Model X. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V615000 Filed Aug 15, 2024

Missing Primer May Cause Roof Trim Separation

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla service will test the roof trim adhesion and reattach the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-008. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-710 will need to have the new inspection and remedy completed.
63.5% repairedof 9,136 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V615000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V376000 Filed May 28, 2024

Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208

Seat belts · front · warning light/devices
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
89.9% repairedof 125,233 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V376000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V051000 Filed Jan 30, 2024

Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105

Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Repair progress not yet reported2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V051000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V838000 Filed Dec 12, 2023

Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse

Electrical system · adas · driver monitoring · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
98.8% repairedof 2,031,220 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V838000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V085000 Filed Feb 15, 2023

Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash

Steering · automated/adaptive steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
96.5% repairedof 362,758 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V085000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V037000 Filed Jan 27, 2022

Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign

Steering · automated/adaptive steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
100% repairedof 53,822 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V037000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V035000 Filed Jan 29, 2021

Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
87.2% repairedof 134,951 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V035000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V710000 Filed Nov 17, 2020

Missing Primer may cause Roof Trim Separation

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will test the roof trim adhesion, and, as necessary, apply primer, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-12-005. This recall has been superseded by Recall 24V615 (SB-24-12-008).
Repair progress not yet reported9,136 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V710000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V062000 Filed Feb 5, 2020

Reduced/Loss of Steering Assist

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts with coated steel bolts, and add a corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
92% repairedof 14,113 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V062000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V639000 Filed Oct 12, 2017

Second Row Seat Backs may Move in a Crash

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
If the seat back moves forward in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
91.5% repairedof 4,582 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V639000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V260000 Filed Apr 19, 2017

Parking Brake may not Release or Fully Apply

Parking brake
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
91.7% repairedof 31,709 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V260000
Listed for 2016 Tesla Model X. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V192000 Filed Apr 6, 2016

Third Row Seat may Collapse Under Load

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace all affected third row seats, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2016. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-844-248-3752 or by email at ServiceHelpNA@teslamotors.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-16-13-003
97.8% repairedof 2,676 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V192000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Model X years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Tesla Model XAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (448)

448 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The suspension is mentioned most often.

62involved a crash
4involved a fire
36injuries reported
1deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Tesla Model X, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 448.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Model X years

Best and worst Model X years →
448 268 193 100 127 41 127 194 26 15
2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 93 mpg combined

93
mpg combined
91
city
95
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$800
CO₂ tailpipe
—
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$702per year
$59per month
161gallons a year

Miles ÷ 93 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Tesla Model X configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive91 / 95 / 93$800—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive91 / 94 / 93$800—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive90 / 94 / 92$850—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive89 / 90 / 89$850—
Electric · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive81 / 92 / 86$900—

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Model X for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Model X years

Where to next

Which Model X years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Tesla Model X report268 complaints · 10 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Tesla Model X FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Tesla Model X have?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns: 24V615000 (structure), 24V376000 (seat belt), 24V051000 (electrical), 23V838000 (electrical), 23V085000 (steering), 22V037000 (steering), 21V035000 (lighting), 20V710000 (structure), 20V062000 (steering), 17V639000 (seat), 17V260000 (brake), 16V192000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Tesla Model X problems?

Owners filed 448 complaints with NHTSA. Suspension (150), Electrical system (93), Unknown or other (89) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Tesla Model X get?

EPA rates the Electric · Automatic version at 91 city, 95 highway and 93 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2016 Model X compare with other years?

Among the 2016–2021 Tesla Model X model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (41) and the 2016 the most (448). The 2016 drew 448. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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