Home · 2016 Tesla Model X P90d · Complaints

What 417 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model X P90d

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (417)Crash / fire / injury (62)Suspension (148)Electrical system (90)Body & structure (54)Steering (44)Speed control (33)Visibility & wipers (33)Brakes (18)Driver assistance (15)Lights (13)Transmission & drivetrain (13)

Newest first · 417 complaints · page 2 of 17

Apr 16, 2024SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaky and clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the front driver's side and the passenger's side front upper control arms links and bushings were replaced, and the four-wheel alignment was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly resistant. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the intermediate lower steering column shaft was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became significantly loose, causing the contact to lose steering control. Additionally, the wheels failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was perpendicular to oncoming traffic at the time of the failure. The contact parked the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the Tesla Service Center, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11583309

Apr 9, 2024Airbags

The drivers airbag in my 2016 Tesla Model X deployed without incident while in a drive thru so maybe 2 mph. I didn’t hit anything nor is there damage to the vehicle or previous repairs that would cause it to explode. Thankfully I wasn’t seriously injured just the airbag slapped my arm off the steering wheel leaving a red mark for a couple hours and my families ears running for 15 minutes. Embarrassed going through a drive thru with an airbag in my face but thankful it didn’t happen at high speed driving. I drive it home s as everything was functional, even steering wheel audio controls. About three weeks prior there was a safety restraint light on the dash but I thought it was a seat belt related issues as I replace the third row seat belt a couple months ago. Also about two weeks ago I heard what sounded like some loose beads in the steering wheel when turning a really slow speed, obviously something was coming apart but I had no clue it would be this. It was dropped off the next day at the Tesla service center in League City, Tx, [XXX]. At this time they have not had a chance to look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11581978

Apr 2, 2024Lane DepartureBackup camera & sensors

Tesla error 'Park Assist not avialable' - error code, and Tesla service wants service fee to check error

NHTSA ODI 11580688

Mar 26, 2024SuspensionDriver assistance

Car tends to brake in autopilot without having any car in front causing jolt feeling and dangerous scenario for vehicles behind. Suspension work like upper control, half shafts, ball joints, toe and struts been replaced 5 times. One time entire wheel came off.

NHTSA ODI 11579425

Mar 14, 2024Suspension

Front suspension creaking and groaning with zero reason. Upperand lower links bad Rear tires blew out because of severe wear on inner edge while the rest of the tire had 80% tread left bad camber caused uneven wear

NHTSA ODI 11577325

Feb 21, 2024Body & structure

While I was driving , the center glass panel between the two falcon door flew off . There is a recall that was issued for this exact issue and Tesla said they inspected and no further action was taken. I am grateful that no person or person were injured as I was driving 65-70 mph on a highway . Tesla is refusing to pay for the repair and associated damages to the passenger rear roof window that occurred .

NHTSA ODI 11573077

Feb 19, 2024Driver assistanceLane Departure

I've reached out to Tesla Service Department on multiple occasions regarding the Auto Pilot Software update and they have failed to provide an update as of today February 19th, 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11572732

Feb 13, 2024Electrical systemVisibility & wipersLatches & locks

The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11571745

Feb 6, 2024Electrical systemLatches & locks

The car front passenger side door open while driving and does not close and the car sting in Babson College campus as my daughter cannot close door, cannot drive and Tesla service does not give repair date before two weeks and no one else knows can repair this part . This is third time in 3 months we are having problem and after spending over 3000$ in less than 3 months with full inspection down by Tesla . The service people are rude and does not care for student safety as well. Such a shame

NHTSA ODI 11570179

Jan 15, 2024Suspension

My Tesla Model X had the "famous" suspension problem that Tesla refused to acknowledge but cost me thousands to repair the defect.

NHTSA ODI 11565500

Dec 28, 2023Driver assistanceLane Departure

Tesla issues encountered with model X 2016: 1). Bought a demo car with a new car warranty, the car is supposed to be checked and verified that it meets safety guidelines, and certain standards, a).the car had a yellowish tinge had to get it buffed and detailed to look true pearl white cost $400 b). my tires were so bad the tire shop told me they are unsafe to drive so had to get them replaced the morning after I bought the car from tesla-ohio branch and got back to chicago I informed Tesla about all nothing was done cost approximately $2000 c).After I purchased the car before I could drive to ohio to pick it up tesla employee backed up the car into a pole I was told it will be fixed it was not cost $4k d). Wheels were all scratched up had to get them refinished cost approximately $900 2). Warrant is not honored always. Over the years camera and sensor very unsafe and every time Tesla says can’t reproduce Even after providing proof of videos, one point finally got tired paid out of pocket to replace front 2 sensors they never bothered to take it apart and verify it’s working safely and properly, after paying out of pocket at least the lane change worked 98% of time cost around $500-600 3).Auto pilot is misleadingly unsafe, cameras and sensors have either reached end of life or simply not working but definitely unsafe because sometimes the car drives like a drunk person on streets, confused if lanes merging I had incidents where it would have caused an accident had I not taken over and there was no warning 4). Advertised Range is deceptive and misleading, claim is my car to get 255 miles in reality I get around 120-130 which is more like half the range makes it hard to go out of town, an 8 hr trip becomes a 13-15 hr trip.

NHTSA ODI 11562218

Dec 28, 2023Body & structure

Almost all body parts including doors and windows have alignment gaps resulting in air leaks into and out of the car creating too much wind noise and very had to keep warm in winter and cool in summer thus overburdening the heating and cooling system causing excessive wear and tear

NHTSA ODI 11562220

Dec 28, 2023BrakesDriver assistanceBackup camera & sensors

Display MCU1 is unsafe or at end of life and unsafe locks up goes dark and unresponsive for long periods of time, unable to drive sometimes my my car is under warranty either they should fix it or upgrade it, I was told I need to upgrade it but my car is still under new car bumper to bumper warranty either fix it or replace it, if MCU1 doesn’t work then replace it with MCU2 and honor the new car bumper to bumper warranty

NHTSA ODI 11562222

Dec 28, 2023Backup camera & sensorsLatches & locks

Car sensors don’t seem to work hits other cars and doors close hard on a human before stopping very unsafe for a child

NHTSA ODI 11562224

Dec 28, 2023Suspension

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving down the driveway, the front suspension system failed rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who diagnosed that the front suspension was faulty and needed to be replaced. The suspension system was replaced, and the vehicle was fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11562357

Dec 17, 2023BrakesDriver assistance

I had an interaction with this vehicle on snow/ice packed I70 in Colorado, almost to the Kansas border. This car passed me, then immediately cut in front of my truck in the right lane and quickly slowed to about 10 mph with no warning. The car then pulled over onto the snow packed shoulder.

NHTSA ODI 11560515

Oct 20, 2023Suspension

Aluminum lower control arms break under normal driving conditions

NHTSA ODI 11551107

Oct 20, 2023Suspension

Left front lower control arm broke when parking.

NHTSA ODI 11551108

Sep 1, 2023Body & structure1 injury

Our 2 year old son broke his left tibia after the falcon door automatically closed on his left foot/leg and it got caught between the door and his car seat. We believe he had his leg dangling off the car seat when we closed the door from the front command station. The door sensor did not stop or give any warning that there was anything in the way. He was seen in the emergency department after the incident and is in a full leg cast for at least 4 weeks. This is a major safety risk for other children/people if the doors cannot sense small limbs and stop appropriately. The car/door is available for inspection upon request. We have not contacted Tesla yet about this but will be calling them very soon. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet since the incident. There were no warnings prior to the incident occurring.

NHTSA ODI 11542001

Aug 21, 2023

Hi, I have a Tesla Model X 2016. In December 2020 I received a recall to replace the spine applique. I then bought the car to Santa Clara service center in Jan 2021 and they told me my car is safe to drive without replacement. Last Sunday ( Aug 13) while driving on I880 Northbound. I heard a small noise ( like a crack) Turned my head to see what happened in the car, but saw nothing. By the time I got home and opened the back gate to get my stuff and realized the spine applique was blown away, it was around 3 oclock. So I drove my car to the service center and told them what happened. They declined to honor the recall and asked me to pay $742.00 for the replacement cost, citting my warranty having expired. Please take a close look at the attached picture. The silicon goes around the top was supposed to keep the spine applique in place. It look very smooth meaning there is no bond between the 2. That was why it flew off the car while driving. Please see attached for your reference and advice! Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] Please call if you have any questions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11539709

Aug 17, 2023

Problem Description: The entire instrument cluster and center console of my 2016 Tesla Model X are experiencing significant delamination due to leaking adhesive. The adhesive is seeping from the top edges and working down the sides of both the instrument cluster and the center console. I am in possession of the vehicle and all components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risks: This delamination issue has rendered important vehicle status indicator lamps virtually illegible during normal daylight conditions due to excessive glare. This includes safety warning lamps and other critical vehicle status information. To view the information displayed, I am forced to either shade the console with my hands (which requires removing them from the steering wheel) or to move my head to a different position. Both of these actions necessitate a substantial amount of time with my eyes off the road, posing a significant and unnecessary safety risk to myself, my passengers, and other road users. Warning Signs: There were no initial warning signs or symptoms of this issue. The delamination and adhesive leakage began slowly over the past year and appear to be accelerating in severity. There are now visible drips of glue accumulating beneath both the instrument cluster and center console. Documentation: I have taken clear photos documenting the extent and severity of the delamination and adhesive leakage, which I will attach to this complaint. These photos provide evidence of the compromised visibility of vital vehicle indicators due to this issue. Severity and Frequency: The delamination is extensive, especially along the perimeter where the indicator lamps are displayed. This is not an isolated or temporary problem; it has been ongoing and is progressively worsening. The design or manufacturing process that led to this adhesive failure is severely impacting the functionality and safety of the vehicle's interface and controls.

NHTSA ODI 11539103

Jul 25, 2023Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cover on the roof between the two falcon doors detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,900. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer have denied his request for reimbursement.

NHTSA ODI 11534326

Jun 20, 2023Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the roof trim detached from the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V710000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,370.

NHTSA ODI 11527929

May 31, 2023Speed controlDriver assistance

Two issues that are concerning and I have told Tesla: 1. The car will be on cruise control and I will be relaxed and all of a sudden it will just brake for no reason. Praise God I am aware of it now and prepared so I have to compensate, but it is very dangerous and made the cruise control useless. While it was under warrantee I request it be fixed, but they said there was no way to do that. 2. The car's back up screen is compromised and has a distortion on the bottom that was caused by a download. I requested four separate times a service requests to fix it while it was under warrantee, but they were unable to repair it. The first time they said I needed to wait for a download, then the second time they said it was a hacker, third time they replaced a chip, and the four time they told me to repair it I need to upgrade my entertainment package for $1500 so I cancelled the appointment. All while I was under warranty. Four appointments later and I still have a distortion on my screen when I back up which is slowly getting larger and will be a safety issue I'm sure down the road. Two very obvious safety issues that while under warranty they would not fix. I wrote Tesla and asked them to review my service requests and to get some resolution. I was unsuccessful.

NHTSA ODI 11524586

May 25, 2023Electrical systemLights

MCU1 onboard computer system becomes overloaded with data that eventually and periodically causes the computer system to "crash" and requires a reboot, even with 8 GB eMMC replacement having already been installed. This means that vehicles with MCU1 (generally model S and X manufactured pre-2019) are increasingly becoming safety risks on the road because the MCU1 system crash can occur at any time, even while driving (not just when the car is going through it's start-up cycle). Whenever this occurs, it means the driver is unable to change the headlights which is especially harmful during dawn and dusk hours since these models do not have daytime running headlights. Drivers may be unable to use turn signals, unlock power doors (the Model X has power-driven doors on all sides) and advanced systems may be inoperable during the MCU1 rebooting process. This issue can be resolved by replacing the MCU1 operating system with the MCU2 operating system, but Tesla requires MCU1 owners with Auto Pilot Computer version 1.0 to pay $1,750 for what they are calling an "infotainment upgrade." This is disingenuous terminology used by Tesla because the MCU1 operating system is not just for "infotainment" - it is beyond that and includes significant safety features as mentioned above (headlights, doors, locks, windows, ADAS, and more). Tesla needs to cover the cost of replacing MCU1 with MCU2 or a new system that is stable and does not experience frequent data crashes. In other words, there must be a fix beyond the 8GB eMMC "band aid" that has not resolved the chronic failure of MCU1 systems. This is a continuing safety issue and driving hazard for all Tesla owners with MCU1 until a recall is issued.

NHTSA ODI 11523874

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Working with the data? Download all 417 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Tesla Model X P90d verdict →