CarBrief

NHTSA has 268 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file for the 2017 Tesla Model X[1][2]. NHTSA has 268 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file for the 2017 Tesla Model X[1][2]. Most of the recall fixes are over-the-air software updates, but some recall texts say the update was still to come and a few involve hardware, so check the VIN before you buy[3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

268owner complaints[1]
10recalls[2]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 268 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 24 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 58 injuries and 52 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

The biggest groups by component:

Component group Complaints Crashes
Electrical system[10] 72 2
Suspension[11] 59 6
Steering[12] 50 2
Unknown or other[13] 50 5
Forward collision avoidance[14] 31 3
Brakes[15] 17 2
Speed control[16] 16 5
Lane departure[17] 14 0

Electrical system. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the center touchscreen slowing down, freezing, going blank or rebooting[10]. Some say the rear camera, turn signal feedback or climate controls went away when the screen failed[10]. The median mileage at failure for this group is 30,000[10].

Suspension. In the sample we read, owners describe broken or collapsed suspension parts[11]. Several of those texts talk about other cars the writer saw, not their own, so treat them with care. The median mileage at failure is 20,000[11].

Steering. In the sample we read, owners describe steering that is hard to turn, sticks or loses assist, and a few mention a worn steering part[12]. Others write about Autopilot or Autosteer swerving or struggling at intersections[12]. The median mileage at failure is 31,881[12].

Driver assistance. In the forward collision avoidance sample, two texts describe sudden unexpected braking while driver assistance was on[14]. Others raise concerns about Full Self-Driving behavior, partly based on videos of other cars[14].

The sample of complaint texts is small, so it shows what kinds of things owners write about, not how often each problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[2]. Many cover several Tesla models and years, so confirm with the VIN on NHTSA's recall page which ones apply to a specific car. Newest first:

Fuel economy

This is an electric vehicle, so EPA rates it in MPGe, This is an electric vehicle, so EPA rates it in MPGe. The ratings depend on the version:. The ratings depend on the version:

Version Combined MPGe Range
60D[21] 93 200 miles
75D[22] 93 238 miles
90D[23] 92 257 miles
P90D[24] 89 250 miles
100D[25] 87 295 miles
P100D[26] 86 289 miles

The 60D and 75D rate best at 93 MPGe, and the P100D rates lowest at 86[21][22][26]. The 100D has the longest range, at 295 miles[25].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, for the MODEL X 4DR SUV AWD, and can differ slightly from US models[27].

Measure Value
Length 198 in
Width 79 in
Height 66 in
Wheelbase 117 in
Curb weight 5,269 lb

All six versions in the EPA data are all-wheel drive[21][22][23][24][26][25].

How 2017 compares with other years

2016: 450 complaints, 12 recalls20162017: 268 complaints, 10 recalls26820172018: 193 complaints, 9 recalls20182019: 102 complaints, 8 recalls20192020: 128 complaints, 10 recalls20202021: 41 complaints, 24 recalls20212022: 128 complaints, 22 recalls20222023: 194 complaints, 17 recalls20232024: 27 complaints, 8 recalls20242025: 16 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 7 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Model X model year. The 2017 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
201645012
201726810
20181939
20191028
202012810
20214124
202212822
202319417
2024278
2025163
202670

Counts below are complaints and recalls on file with NHTSA for each Model X model year, not adjusted for sales[2].

So 2017 sits near the top for complaints, and its 10 recalls tie 2020 and are higher than 2018, 2019 and 2024[2].

Should you buy a used 2017 Model X?

The numbers are mixed. The 2017 year has 268 complaints, the second most of any Model X year, and 10 recalls[2]. Owners write about center screen failures, suspension parts and steering in the samples we read[10][11][12]. Seven of the ten recalls use over-the-air updates, though four of those were still to come in the recall text, and the others have free hardware fixes described in the recall notices[3][18][4][5][19][6][20][7][8][9].[3][18][4][5][19][6][20][7][8][9].

Before buying, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, since four recalls described their remedy as still to come[3][4][5][6]. Ask for service records on the center display, suspension and steering. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so they point to questions to ask, not a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2017 Tesla Model X?
The largest named complaint groups at NHTSA are electrical system (72), suspension (59) and steering (50, tied with unknown or other) out of 268 total[1][10][11][12][13].[1][10][11][12]. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2017 Tesla Model X have?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover topics such as seat belt warnings, steering assist, the center display memory and the parking brake[3][19][7][9].
What is the range and efficiency of the 2017 Model X?
EPA rates the versions from 86 to 93 MPGe combined, with 200 to 295 miles of range[21][22][23][24][26][25].
How big is the 2017 Tesla Model X?
It is 198 in long, 79 in wide and 66 in tall on a 117 in wheelbase[27]. Curb weight is 5,269 lb[27]. These are Canadian-market specifications[27].
Is 2017 a good year for the Model X?
2017 has the second most complaints (268) of any Model X year, behind 2016 (450), and 10 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 268 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Tesla Model X (24 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 58 injuries, 52 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Tesla Model X model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 24V376, filed May 28, 2024: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 23V838, filed December 12, 2023: Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 23V085, filed February 15, 2023: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 22V037, filed January 27, 2022: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 21V035, filed January 29, 2021: Visibility › Defroster / Defogger / Hvac System. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V639, filed October 12, 2017: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 17V260, filed April 19, 2017: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
  10. 72 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 59 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 50 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,881). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 50 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 51 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 31 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 17 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 16 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 14 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. Recall 24V051, filed January 30, 2024: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 22V818, filed November 1, 2022: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 21V846, filed October 29, 2021: Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  21. EPA rating for Model X AWD - 60D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 93 MPGe combined, 200 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Model X AWD - 75D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 93 MPGe combined, 238 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Model X AWD - 90D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 92 MPGe combined, 257 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Model X AWD - P90D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 89 MPGe combined, 250 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Model X AWD - 100D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 87 MPGe combined, 295 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Model X AWD - P100D, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 86 MPGe combined, 289 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL X 4DR SUV AWD: length 198 in, width 79 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 5,269 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.