Tesla Model X Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Tesla Model X model year (2016–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Tesla Model X Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 216 complaints
60 reported injuries
50 reported deaths
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 598
6 recalls · 357 complaints
44 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 468
9 recalls · 153 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 216
Best Tesla Model X Years to Buy
1 recall · 11 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 14
0 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Problem score: 15
4 recalls · 21 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Problem score: 33
Found the right year? Verify that specific Model X with a free VIN report.
Tesla Model X — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 | 3 | — | 15 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 11 | — | — | 14 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 4 | 21 | — | — | 33 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 9 | 153 | 18 | — | 216 | Caution |
| 2022 | 15 | 127 | 1 | — | 174 | Good |
| 2021 | 14 | 44 | 3 | — | 92 | Good |
| 2020 | 6 | 109 | 2 | — | 131 | Good |
| 2019 | 3 | 95 | 6 | — | 116 | Good |
| 2018 | 4 | 158 | 12 | — | 194 | Good |
| 2017 | 4 | 216 | 60 | 50 | 598 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 6 | 357 | 44 | 1 | 468 | Avoid |
All 11 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Tesla Model X Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2025Recent Model X models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2025 stands out with just 14 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Model X units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Model X should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2017 Tesla Model X if possible. It has 4 recalls, 216 owner complaints, and 50 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 598 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Model X to buy?+
The 2025 Tesla Model X is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 14. It has only 1 recall and 11 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Model X has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2026, 2024 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Tesla Model X Research
Check a Specific Tesla Model X VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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