2016 Tesla Model X
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- MODEL X
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 289 mi · 12 h on 240 V
- Length
- 198 in
- Curb weight
- 5,269 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints452 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
- 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Tesla Model X is a standard SUV powered by electricity and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 289 miles and takes about 12 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 452 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MODEL X | 198 in | 79.1 in | 66.1 in | 116.9 in | 65.4 / 66.9 in | 5,269 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model X AWD - 75D EV | 193 (front) 193 (rear) (75 kW-hr battery pack) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 238 mi · 36 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
| Model X AWD - 60D EV | 193 (front) 193 (rear) (60 kW-hr battery pack) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 200 mi · 36 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
| Model X AWD - 90D EV | 193 (front) 193 (rear) (90 kW-hr battery pack) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 257 mi · 37 kWh/100mi | – | $850 | – |
| Model X AWD - P90D EV | 193 (front) 375 (rear) (90 kW-hr battery pack) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 250 mi · 38 kWh/100mi | – | $850 | – |
| Model X AWD - P100D EV | 193 (front) 375 (rear) (100 kW-hr battery pack) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 289 mi · 39 kWh/100mi | – | $900 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Tesla Model X.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Tesla Model X (this car) | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (12)
Structure › Body · Aug 15, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V615000 · 9,136 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Jan 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V035000 · 134,951 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Structure › Body · Nov 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V710000 · 9,136 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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).
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 5, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V062000 · 14,113 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Oct 12, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V639000 · 4,582 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- If the seat back moves forward in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Parking Brake · Apr 19, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V260000 · 31,709 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Apr 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V192000 · 2,676 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 [email protected]. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-16-13-003
Not every 2016 Tesla Model X is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Tesla Model X buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 149 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electrical System — 92 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 58 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 289 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model X. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Model X years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model X | 352 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2025 Model X | 329 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2024 Model X | 335 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 8 | 27 |
| 2023 Model X | 348 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 17 | 194 |
| 2022 Model X | 348 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 22 | 129 |
| 2021 Model X | 371 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 24 | 41 |
| 2020 Model X | 351 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 10 | 128 |
| 2019 Model X | 325 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 8 | 102 |
| 2018 Model X | 295 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 9 | 193 |
| 2017 Model X | 295 mi | 198 in | Not rated | 10 | 268 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →