The Tesla Model X Years To Avoid
Tesla Model X by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Undoubtedly, Tesla is one of the top players that pushed the electric vehicle (EV) market. With its focus on cutting-edge tech, exhilarating performance, and the antics of its eccentric CEO, Tesla has experienced a significant increase in popularity and brand recognition in recent years. Despite facing competition from established automakers and newer electric startups, the company has witnessed impressive sales growth and has consistently increased its market share in the EV sector.
Tesla gained popularity with its impressive electric sedans, such as the Model Y and Model 3. However, the Model X was the first-ever electric SUV released by Tesla in 2015 to cater to the expanding SUV market. The Model X is known for its impressive speed and extended range, making it one of the best SUVs available.
But is the Model X reliable?
If you’re wondering about the Model X’s reliability, we’ve got you covered. We examined all versions of this electric SUV and identified the worst Tesla Model X years to avoid and those safe to purchase as used vehicles.
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Which Tesla Model X Years to Avoid?
Tesla Model X has undergone several updates and improvements since its initial launch in 2015. While Tesla has made continuous efforts to enhance its vehicles, including the Model X, it’s worth noting that earlier model years may have some limitations or issues that have been addressed in subsequent years.
With that said, below are the Tesla Model X years to avoid:
- 2016 Tesla Model X
- 2017 Tesla Model X
- 2019 Tesla Model X
2016 Tesla Model X
As a debut model, the 2016 Tesla Model X had several reliability woes, making it harder to recommend. Plus, it had over 370 NHTSA complaints, making it the most complained about iteration of the Model X. Perhaps one of the most common complaints about the 2016 Model X is the SUV’s suspension. Several owners have reported premature wear or failure of suspension components, particularly in vehicles driven in harsh conditions or rough roads.
A frustrated owner wrote:
I had a failure of the front right suspension fore link assembly on Feb 22, 2023. This occurred while driving at highway speeds. There was no pothole or traumatic impact to the vehicle that could have caused this failure. This resulted in misalignment of the front passenger tire, as it was off-center and made impact against the wheel arch liner.
However, arguably the most high-profile issue with the 2016 Model X (or the lineup in general) is the Falcon wing doors. One of the signature features of the Model X, the falcon wing doors, received a host of complaints, from faulty operation to build quality issues. Some owners reported that the doors failed to open or close properly, often due to faulty sensors. In some cases, the doors reportedly opened or closed at inappropriate times, causing potential safety hazards.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE TESLA MODEL X
Read on to learn more about the most reliable Tesla Model X year, the least reliable selection, and anything else you should know before buying one for yourself.
As an early version of the electrified SUV, the 2016 Model X was also a subject of numerous build quality issues, including inconsistent panel gaps, poorly aligned doors and windows, and less-than-stellar interior fit and finish.
2017 Tesla Model X
The following Model X year is much better reliability-wise, but the 2017 version still received many complaints, including electrical issues, questionable build quality, and the dreaded Falcon wing doors. CarProblemZoo listed electric problems as the most pressing concern for the 2017 Model X SUV. On a related note, the NHTSA also received the most complaints regarding electrical issues.
At the forefront of these electrical issues is the often lauded infotainment system. Some owners experienced problems with the central touchscreen, which controls most of the vehicle’s functions. These problems ranged from freezing screens or going black to sporadic issues like unresponsive controls or random system reboots.
Affected by the electrical issues are the Tesla signature Falcon wing doors. Both Model X’s unique Falcon Wing doors and automated front doors are electrically operated. Again, there have been reports of these failing to open or close properly, often attributed to sensor malfunctions or mechanical issues. While it’s certainly a remarkable feature, it’s just one of the many things that can go wrong with a Tesla Model X.
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2019 Tesla Model X
With the 2019 Model X, Tesla was able to iron out the many kinks of the previous years. However, it still struggled with various reliability problems (although to a significantly lesser degree), making it one of the Tesla Model X years to avoid.
As you might have guessed, the main issue with the 2019 Model X is its falcon wing doors – those impressive feats of engineering that instantly turn your humble Model X into a scene straight out of a science fiction movie. Like many reports, the 2019 Model X’s Falcon wing doors take their sweet time to open and close, which can be a hassle if pressed in time. Moreover, sensor issues caused the doors to have a mind of their own.
In addition, CarProblemZoo also received the most complaints for the Model X’s suspension issues. According to one user, the car suspension failed, and the vehicle veered to the right and caused a crash. As a result, the driver claimed the right front wheel was dislodged completely. Several reports also indicated premature wear on various suspension components, such as bushing and control arms. However, suspension issues are much less prevalent here, and many owners reported no problems with their suspension.
8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
Which Tesla Model X Years To Buy?
If you’re looking for a used Model X SUV, we highly recommend checking out the 2018 model year. Consumer Reports gave it a glowing review with a score of 4.0 out of 5.0 in reliability and a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 in owner satisfaction. The Falcon wing doors may cause some annoyance, but that doesn’t detract from the 2018 Model X’s overall reliability.
While the 2018 Model X has had its share of reported issues, many owners have found it reliable. If you’re considering buying a used Model X, it would be wise to inspect it thoroughly to ensure it has no outstanding issues.
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