Summary
The Tesla Model X has 25 recalls covering 2015 through 2025 model years, with the most serious being a Full Self-Driving Beta software defect on 2016–2023 vehicles where the system can cause the car to exceed speed limits or move through intersections in unpredictable ways, raising the risk of a crash.
On the most recent production years, 2021–2025 Model X vehicles have a driver airbag that can tear during deployment, reducing the protection it provides in a crash. Those same years also have a recall where an airbag with the wrong horn pad can be installed, silencing the horn entirely. On 2021–2023 models, the restraint control module calibration can cause the front passenger airbag to fire incorrectly in certain low-speed crashes, and a separate issue means the vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and not display a warning light, allowing reduced braking to go unnoticed. The 2021–2022 Model X has front-row side curtain airbags that may not deploy correctly when the windows are lowered, reducing ejection protection in a crash. A single 2021 vehicle was recalled because a steering wheel airbag replacement may have left the wrong airbag installed.
For 2024 models, the parking lights and low-beam headlights can flicker, reducing road illumination, and a software fault can cause a circuit board short that prevents the rearview camera image from displaying while backing up. The 2023 Model X, on vehicles with the Full Self-Driving Computer 4.0, has a weak camera signal that can also block the rearview image from appearing in reverse. A single 2022 vehicle was recalled because a body structure reinforcement bracket was missing at the second-row seat, compromising how well the seat restrains occupants in a crash.
Going back to 2016–2017 models, the left-side second-row reclining seat back can fail to latch fully, allowing it to pitch forward in a frontal crash. On 2016 models specifically, the power steering assist motor bolts can corrode and fracture, causing a sudden increase in steering effort particularly at low speeds. The 2016 model year also has a parking brake caliper with an internal gear that can break, preventing the parking brake from releasing. Cosmetic roof trim pieces on 2016 vehicles were adhered without primer and can separate at speed, becoming road hazards; prior repair attempts under an earlier recall did not fully resolve this issue for all vehicles. The 2015–2016 model years share the power steering bolt corrosion issue. The 2019 Model X has a compliance-only recall where child seat tether anchorage covers on certain second- and third-row positions lack the required locating symbol, though the anchorages themselves function normally.
