Last updated: 2026-03-27

Tesla Model X

2 Tesla Model X Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Tesla Model X average of 57/100

The Tesla Model X years to avoid are 2023, 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2023 with a reliability score of 47/100. The best Tesla Model X year to buy is 2022 72/100.

Verdict

The 2023, 2021 Tesla Model X score significantly below the model average of 57/100. The weakest year is 2023 with a score of 47/100 due to unknown or other (69) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 72/100.

Tesla Model X Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model X average of 57/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202347/100Mixed16183Unknown Or Other (69)
2202151/100Mixed2338Steering (12)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

47
MixedReliability score: 47 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Tesla Model X

The 2023 Tesla Model X has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 183 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model-X. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (69), Steering (45), Electrical System (16).

16 recalls183 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (69), Steering (45), Electrical System (16), Structure (11), Service Brakes (6), Seat Belts (5)

View full 2023 reliability report →
51
MixedReliability score: 51 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Tesla Model X

The 2021 Tesla Model X has mixed reliability. There are 23 recalls and 38 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model-X. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (12), Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (6).

23 recalls38 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Steering (12), Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (6), Suspension (6), Visibility Wiper (2), Power Train (2)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Tesla Model X Problems?

Top reported issues across all Tesla Model X model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

119 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SUSPENSION

89 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

89 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

82 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

35 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Tesla Model X Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Tesla Model X

The 2022 Tesla Model X has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Tesla Model-X.

Score: 72/100 (Good)0 recalls0 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Tesla Model X year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Tesla Model X Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Tesla Model X Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 20182025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tesla Model X years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Tesla Model X years: 2023 (score: 47/100), 2021 (score: 51/100). These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model X average of 57/100.
What is the best year for the Tesla Model X?
The best year for the Tesla Model X is 2022, with a reliability score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model X have?
Across all years in our database, the Tesla Model X has a total of 73 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Tesla Model X worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 72/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 57/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Tesla Model X problems?
The most common Tesla Model X problems are unknown or other (119 complaints), suspension (89 complaints), steering (89 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Tesla Model X reliable long-term?
The Tesla Model X has an average reliability score of 57/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Tesla Model X generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Tesla Model X generation is the Latest generation (X Long Range, X Plaid) with an average score of 58/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model X a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Tesla Model X is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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