Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 51/100 (MIXED)

2021 Tesla Model X Reliability Report

The 2021 Tesla Model X rates mixed and well below other 2021 SUVs, mainly because power steering assist can cut out without warning.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

52per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$832

EV Range

300–371 mi

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity51/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact43/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Facelift year with a weak standing for its class, marked by sudden steering assist loss and 23 recalls; 2020 rates similar, while 2022 has no filings.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (12)
SUSPENSION (6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2021 received a 2021 refresh update for the First generation (X90D, X100D, XPL).

Changes: Introduction of the Plaid performance model; Updated interior and powertrain.
Year 7 in this generation (2015–2023).
1st generation Model X (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2015: First generation (X90D, X100D, XPL) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year (Refresh)

2021 received a 2021 refresh update for the First generation (X90D, X100D, XPL).

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Tesla Model X?

Mixed is the fair verdict. Against other 2021 SUVs, this Model X rates well below average, and it sits among the weaker of its eight scored years. Owners filed 38 complaints, about 52 per 10,000 sold. The 2020 rates about the same. The 2022 shows no complaints or recalls, but a year with no filings has mostly had less time to collect them. The crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.

Steering is the main worry. Power assist can cut out without warning, and the wheel turns very heavy or locks. Reports start as early as 8,000 miles and run to about 50,000. An out-of-warranty rack or gear replacement was quoted near $5,000. The main computer can also shut down while driving, blacking out the screens and speedometer. Control arms crack in several reports. Federal records list 23 recalls, touching air bags, seat belts, steering, forward collision avoidance and electrical systems.

Ask for service records showing any steering or control arm work, and confirm every recall repair was done. Check warranty status first, since one owner was denied coverage after it ended.

Compared to the 2022 Tesla Model X, which scored 21 points higher. See also the 2020 Tesla Model X for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+5-star NHTSA crash rating
+Well-established generation
+Only 38 complaints reported

Cons

−Below-average reliability score
−Above-average recall count
−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−STEERING: Power steering assist cuts out without warning (12 complaints)

Compare 2021 Tesla Model X With

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2021 Audi Q8

Reliability: 60/100

Good

2021 Audi Q7

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

2021 BMW X5

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Porsche Cayenne

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

23 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (12)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2021 Tesla Model X has 23 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Tesla Model X Recall Details

23 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Tesla Model X. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V1720002025-03-19

AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

Consequence

An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

24V9670002024-12-24

AIR BAGS

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

24V5540002024-07-24

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Consequence

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Showing 10 of 23 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Tesla Model X? Check its history first

Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Tesla Model X, and 23 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Tesla Model X NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Tesla Model XRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$832

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2021 Tesla Model X Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Noise Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis	$122 – $179
General Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Noise Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing	$122 – $179
AC Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection	$122 – $179
Vibration Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection	$122 – $179

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Electric

300–371 mi range

Fuel cost: $700–$900/yr

Fuel only

32.003–39.282 kWh/100mi · 15 hrs @ 240V

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Electric trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	Range	kWh/100mi	Fuel Cost
Model X Long Range Plus	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (A1)	371 mi	32.0	$700
Model X Performance (20in Wheels)	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (A1)	341 mi	34.6	$800
Model X Performance (22in Wheels)	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (A1)	300 mi	39.3	$900

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Tesla Model X.

Check service records for steering rack or steering gear replacement, and ask whether a "steering assist reduced" alert has ever appeared.
Make slow full-lock turns in a parking lot and feel for heavy steering or any steering assist warning.
Drive long enough to watch both screens for blackouts or reboots while the car is moving.
Have a shop inspect the front and rear control arms and front half shafts for cracks, play, or wear.
Accelerate firmly from a stop and listen for rattling or grinding from the front of the car.
Run the AC on max and confirm cold air with no "AC reduced" or "charging reduced" alert.
Drive toward low sun and look through the windshield for mottling or glare, then check the glass for cracks.
Ask for 12-volt battery service history. Several replacements in a short time point to an unresolved drain.

2021 Tesla Model X Common Problems by Component

38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)SUSPENSION (6)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)POWER TRAIN (2)STRUCTURE (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)Other (1)

STEERING

12 complaints

Power steering assist cuts out without warning. A "steering assist reduced" alert often appears, and the wheel turns very heavy or locks. Several reports describe this at road speed, with lane-keeping features dropping out at the same time. Drivers describe drifting toward other lanes and fighting the wheel to reach the shoulder. One highway report describes a full loss of control. Tesla service usually replaces the steering rack or steering gear, with out-of-warranty quotes near $5,000. Failures appear as early as 8,000 miles, with several reports near 50,000 miles.

12 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Both screens go black while driving, taking the speedometer and turn-signal display with them, and some cars do this again and again. Other reports describe a failed SD card that left the car dead and needing a tow, and a 12-volt battery that keeps draining after repeated replacements. A "Park Assist unavailable" alert with loud beeps sounds every few miles, and service called it normal and unfixable. One report says the accelerator pedal assembly snapped off while driving. Partial software downloads and a cramped touchscreen layout after an update also draw complaints.

7 complaints total

SUSPENSION

6 complaintsSafety-related

Control arms crack or fail, according to most reports. Both front upper and rear lower arms are named. One filing cites a junked car whose rear lower control arm cracked in half and let the wheel flop loose. Another places control arm failures at around 50,000 miles. Some reports tie front half-shaft failures to the same suspension problem. Another complaint says service delays pushed a control arm repair past warranty. The single crash with an injury in this group describes sudden unintended acceleration, not a failed suspension part.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaintsSafety-related

The main computer shuts down while driving, blacking out the screens, speedometer and turn signals for seconds or minutes before rebooting. Many reports say it happens repeatedly, sometimes within the first months of ownership, and service called it a known firmware issue. One report links a driver-assist computer failure to lost autopilot and doors that would not open, with repair coverage denied after warranty. AC compressor failures shut off cabin cooling and limit battery cooling and charging, at a cost above $2,300. The one crash-related filing starts with a full screen blackout at highway speed.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Windshield glass shows a mottled flaw that is hard to see in normal light but causes blinding glare when driving into the sun. A separate report describes the windshield cracking during defrosting. In that case, Tesla service said it knew about the problem and advises owners to warm the car up before turning on the defroster. Both complaints say other Tesla owners report the same problems. Neither describes a crash, but both describe a direct loss of forward visibility.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Front half shafts fail, and one car has needed replacements three times. The other complaint describes a rattling or grinding noise under medium to heavy acceleration that sounds like something coming loose, which service called normal and declined to fix. Only two complaints are filed here. Half-shaft failures also come up in the suspension complaints, so a worn or noisy front driveline on a used example deserves a close look.

2 complaints total

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2025-05-06

My 2021 Tesla Model X has a serious safety issue with the driver’s door. When opened, the door swings freely with no support or soft-close resistance and can slam shut or fling wide open unexpectedly. This poses a danger to passengers and nearby people or property. I believe this issue may relate to a latch or hinge mechanism malfunction, and I am concerned about the lack of a safety interlock. I have reported this to Tesla, and they have not acknowledged it as a warranty or safety concern. I am submitting this complaint in the interest of safety for myself and other drivers of this model. I have videos and more detail but this site only allows static photos.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaintSafety-related

2024-06-02Crash reported

This complain is regarding the recent recall regarding FSD tesla Smart Summon failures. Incident date June 02, 2024 Car was parked in a parking lot outside a movie theater. I was less than 20 feet away from car with clear visibility, and tried smart summon. Car pulled out of the parking making an acute turn damaging driver side door, and front bumper of car parked next to it. Tesla was contacted immediately regarding this malfunction of smart summon and requested them to stop offering this service to owners as it is dangerous. They took 3 months to conduct an internal investigation but refused to share written results. Instead read a generic statement from their website. Still not received a copy of the investigation. Tesla also refused to take take financial responsibility for the damage and their false claim. Smart Summon is dangerous and Tesla should not be allowed to advertise.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

2024-09-25

Unintended, unexpected opening of front frunk hood while driving slowly in a parking lot into a strong wind gust. I did not deploy frunk switch and Secondary latch apparently inoperative

When Do 2021 Tesla Model X Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

8,000–50,000 milesSteering assist failure

Best & Worst Tesla Model X Years

Best Tesla Model X Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Mixed

2021

(Current Model)

23Recalls

38Complaints

See full Tesla Model X years-to-avoid analysis

Tesla Model X Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Tesla Model X reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	51/100	Mixed
2019	54/100	Mixed
2020	51/100	Mixed
2021	51/100	Mixed
2022	72/100	Good
2023	47/100	Mixed
2024	61/100	Good
2025	66/100	Good

Tesla Model X Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	66/100	+5	Good	3	13
2024	61/100	+14	Good	8	17
2023	47/100	-25	Mixed	16	183
2022	72/100	+21	Good	0	0
2021(selected)	51/100	0	Mixed	23	38
2020	51/100	-3	Mixed	10	120
2019	54/100	+3	Mixed	6	83
2018	51/100	—	Mixed	7	148

2021 Tesla Model X Common Questions

2 questions from 2021 Tesla Model X owners.

wipers are not working

my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom

VisitorMay 27, 2025

Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?

2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Tesla Model X reliable?

Not especially. Its standing is mixed, and it rates well below average among 2021 SUVs. Within the Model X line it is among the weaker years. Steering assist loss and computer shutdowns drive most of the concern, though the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model X?

Steering leads the complaints at 12, followed by suspension and electrical problems at 6 each. Owners describe steering assist cutting out, cracked control arms, and the main computer rebooting while driving. Two reports involve windshield flaws that hurt forward visibility.

Does the 2021 Tesla Model X have power steering problems?

Yes. Owners report assist cutting out without warning, a "steering assist reduced" alert, and a wheel that turns very heavy or locks. Some happened at road speed, with lane-keeping dropping out too. Tesla service usually replaced the steering rack or gear, with out-of-warranty quotes near $5,000.

How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?

Federal records list 23 recalls for this model year. They cover air bags, seat belts, steering, service brakes, forward collision avoidance, back over prevention, visibility, latches and several electrical system issues. Ask the seller to show that each recall repair was completed.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model X better than the 2020 or 2022?

The 2020 rates about the same, with 120 complaints and 10 recalls. The 2022 rates better, with no complaints or recalls on file, but that mostly reflects less time on the road. Compare service records on any specific car rather than relying on the year alone.

Don’t buy a 2021 Tesla Model X without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Tesla Model X

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Tesla Model X does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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