Tesla Model X Structure Problems
Owners have filed 142 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Tesla Model X across 10 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (57). The words owners use most often: “falcon wing” (14% of reports).
- 142structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 26mention a crash
- 20mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Falcon wing: mentioned in 20 of 142 complaints (14%)
- Service center: mentioned in 18 of 142 complaints (13%)
- Door open: mentioned in 10 of 142 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 142 complaints, 26 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 20 an injury.
Tesla Model X structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model X | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2024 Model X | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2023 Model X | 12 | 6% | 30,000 |
| 2022 Model X | 8 | 6% | — |
| 2021 Model X | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2020 Model X | 11 | 9% | 3,600 |
| 2019 Model X | 14 | 14% | 7,750 |
| 2018 Model X | 22 | 11% | 7,650 |
| 2017 Model X | 12 | 4% | 30,000 |
| 2016 Model X | 57 | 13% | 8,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Structure:body
Model years: 2016
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces may be adhered to the vehicle without primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle.
Risk: Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will test the roof trim adhesion and reattach the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-008. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-710 will need to have the new inspection and remedy completed.
Seats:mid/rear assembly; structure:body
Model years: 2022
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling one 2022 Model X vehicle. A body structure reinforcement bracket was not installed at the second-row seat. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: The second-row seat may not properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall was completed April 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Structure:body
Model years: 2016
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have been adhered to the vehicle without first using primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle while moving.
Risk: Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will test the roof trim adhesion, and, as necessary, apply primer, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-12-005. This recall has been superseded by Recall 24V615 (SB-24-12-008).
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Following battery replacement under Service Order #XXX at a Tesla Service Center, my 2018 Tesla Model X 100D (VIN [XXX]) was returned with the underbody belly pan visibly detached and drooping toward the road surface. Fasteners were not reinstalled after service. Additional post-service issues…
My 2016 Tesla Model X is subject to NHTSA Recall 24V615000 for detaching roof appliques. The component was previously inspected by Tesla under this campaign. August 30, 2026 the center spine applique completely detached and flew off the vehicle at highway speeds, creating an immediate road hazard…
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the passengerâs side rear falcon wing door closed unexpectedly. The door sensor failed to sense the contactâs [XXX] daughterâs leg. The contactâs [XXX] daughterâs leg was fractured. The dealer was contacted, and after having…
The falcon doors on the model X, when it is a hot day, and the sun is hitting the door, these doors will not open under any circumstance, resulting in a major safety issue. should there be an accident, a fire or other issue where someone needs to exit the vehicle, they are simply not able to do so…
Both Garnish - Fender - Front - LH Right side and Left side come loose when driving in rain. The force of wheels pushing rain water on the fender garnish causes both the left and right fender garnish 4 push clips to come loose. When this fender garnish breaks and flies off it could hit a…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Tesla Model Xs have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 142 owner complaints about structure for the Tesla Model X. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Tesla Model X structure?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Tesla Model X?
The most frequent phrase is “falcon wing”, in 20 of 142 complaints, followed by “service center” (18).
Other Tesla Model X problems
See all Tesla Model X problems.