What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Tesla Model X.
The Tesla Model X occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 8 known issues across the Tesla Model X range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Tesla Model X? Enter the reg to see which of our 8 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
GEN1 (2016–2024) — Engine options included the Electric Motor. Our database flags 8 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Power steering system failure.
The electric power steering system can fail without warning, displaying messages such as 'Steering Assist Reduced' or 'Steering May Require Increased Effort'. The system uses an electric motor integrated into the steering rack, which can fail due to overheating or internal electrical faults. This is reported across 37 NHTSA complaints and represents a significant safety risk.
Complete power steering failure makes the vehicle extremely difficult to control, particularly at low speeds or during parking maneuvers. This creates an immediate safety hazard. Steering rack replacement typically costs £2,000-4,000. The vehicle should not be driven with active steering warnings.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The constant velocity joint protective boots on Model X deteriorate at 8.2 times the fleet average rate. These rubber boots protect the CV joints from dirt and moisture ingress while allowing the joint to articulate. Tesla's torque delivery characteristics and the Model X's weight contribute to accelerated boot degradation. If the boot splits, the joint will fail rapidly due to contamination, requiring complete driveshaft replacement.
A split boot allows dirt and water to contaminate the CV joint, causing rapid wear and eventual failure. The joint will begin clicking during turns and may eventually seize or break apart, leaving the car immobile. Complete driveshaft replacement typically costs £800-1,500 per side.
Listen for clunking or vibration from underneath when pulling away or changing direction. Check for play in the driveshafts by rocking the car in gear with the handbrake on. Worn CV boots are a telltale sign — look for grease splatter around the inner wheel arch.
The Model X's signature falcon wing doors use a complex system of sensors, motors, and articulated hinges that frequently malfunction. Ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles can become misaligned or contaminated, causing the doors to stop mid-operation or refuse to open. The door motors and control modules are particularly vulnerable to moisture ingress. These issues are specific to the Model X design - no other Tesla model shares this door mechanism.
Malfunctioning falcon wing doors can leave passengers unable to exit the rear seats, creating a safety hazard. Repair typically requires replacement of door control modules, sensors, or motor assemblies. Complete door mechanism replacement can cost £4,000-6,000 per door.
Check panel gaps are even and consistent all the way around the car. Look for signs of repainting — overspray on rubber seals, mismatched paint texture or colour differences between panels. Open and close all doors, the boot and bonnet to check alignment.
Model X shows accelerated wear of suspension bushes and joints, failing MOT tests at The vehicle's significant kerb weight (2.4-2.7 tonnes) and instant torque delivery place exceptional loads on suspension components. Upper control arm bushes and shock absorber mounting bushes are particularly affected. This is a known weakness compared to lighter Tesla models.
Worn suspension bushes affect handling precision and ride quality. Severely worn components can cause tire wear and compromise safety during emergency maneuvers. Individual bush replacement costs £200-400, but multiple components often need attention simultaneously.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Early Model X vehicles equipped with the MCU1 (Media Control Unit 1) suffer from touchscreen failures due to eMMC memory chip degradation. The 17-inch touchscreen becomes unresponsive, displays yellow borders, or fails completely. This affects critical vehicle functions including climate control, charging settings, and glove box operation. Tesla issued a recall but many vehicles remain affected. Later MCU2 units are not subject to this failure mode.
Complete MCU failure leaves many vehicle functions inaccessible, including climate control and charging management. The vehicle remains drivable but with significantly reduced functionality. MCU1 replacement or MCU2 upgrade costs £1,500-2,500.
Check all interior functions: infotainment, heater controls, electric seats, dashboard displays and warning lights. Look for worn or damaged trim pieces. On cars with known interior electrical issues, a diagnostic scan is recommended.
For the full breakdown of all 8 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Tesla Model X common problems page.
See the full Tesla Model X service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Tesla Model X has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Tesla Model X, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 8 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 8 known Tesla Model X issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.