Generations
GEN1 — Generation 1
2016–2024
Electric Motor
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Tesla Model X problems ranked by severity. We track 8 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Power steering system failure (GEN1)
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.
What happens if ignoredComplete 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.
Specialist
£2,000–£3,500
Main dealer
£3,000–£4,500
Parts only
£1,500–£2,500
Major
CV joint boot deterioration (GEN1)
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.
What happens if ignoredA 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.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£700
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
Falcon Wing Door Issues (GEN1)
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.
What happens if ignoredMalfunctioning 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.
Specialist
£2,000–£4,000
Main dealer
£3,000–£5,000
Parts only
£1,500–£2,500
Major
Suspension component wear (GEN1)
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.
What happens if ignoredWorn 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.
Independent garage
£300–£600
Specialist
£400–£800
Main dealer
£600–£1,200
Parts only
£150–£400
4 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Tesla Model X fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of ...
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 11x the fleet average
Sample: 4,693 tests
Tyre cords visible or damaged
Tyres · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 10x the fleet average
Sample: 2,932 tests
Free play in the steering, measured at the rim ...
Steering · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 6.9x the fleet average
Sample: 960 tests
Tyre wear or damage
Tyres · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 5.0x the fleet average
Sample: 2,109 tests
Looking at a specific Tesla Model X?
Check its dealer service history to see if the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.
£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Related
Tesla Model X reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Tesla Model X?
The Tesla Model X has 8 known issues across 4 severity levels. The most serious are: Power steering system failure (GEN1).
Is the Tesla Model X reliable?
The Tesla Model X has 1 dangerous and 4 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Tesla Model X problems?
Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.