Problems · by component

2016 Tesla Model X electrical system problems

90 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model X cite electrical system, 22% of all 417 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
90
22% of all complaints
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owned a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15 MPH from a traffic light, the vehicle was T-boned by another vehicle attempting to run the red light. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into the driver’s side front fender panel of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s door was not impacted in the crash. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. However, the contact’s wife was stuck in the vehicle, and unable to exit the vehicle because the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost all electrical functions, causing the doors to remain closed. The contact stated that his wife was unable to move over to the passenger’s side front or rear to exit the vehicle. The contact stated that some pedestrians nearby were able to unlock the door from outside for his wife to exit the vehicle. The contact was concerned that his wife could have been killed if the vehicle had caught on fire or there was some other form of an emergency. The contact stated that his wife sustained a knee injury. Medical attention was not needed at the scene; however, the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2025Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkagesCrash reportedODI 11652101
“To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I was informed that mismatched tires and front-end components were contributing to the problem, and repairs were completed. However, the original issue persisted. Subsequent visits for additional repairs also failed to resolve the problem, and new safety concerns emerged. Complicating matters, the Richmond Service Center has since closed, and its staff were terminated. When I contacted the Westchase Service Center, Manager Andrea P. informed me that no resolution or agreement could be reached. I have attached the following invoices for your review: Invoice #[XXX], dated April 26, 2024 Invoice #[XXX], dated November 9, 2023 I am requesting the following: A full review of my service history and unresolved issues. Immediate repairs to address motor and safety concerns at no…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 27, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11632748
“I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple follow-up appointments and additional repairs, the problem was never resolved.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 27, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11632757
“THERE IS A LEAKING GLUE LIKE SUBSTANCE COMING FROM THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS ALL SAFETY COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS HEALTH AND ENVIORMENTAL CONCERNS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 12, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11630304
“The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle will inadvertently accelerate causing the contact to depress the brake pedal to avoid a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 7, 2024Electrical systemODI 11593071
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2024Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11570179

Showing 6 of 90 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Electrical systemReported Jan 30, 2024NHTSA 24V051000

Electrical system: autonomous

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Electrical systemReported Dec 12, 2023NHTSA 23V838000

Electrical system: autonomous

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Electrical systemReported Jan 27, 2022NHTSA 22V037000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.