2021 Tesla Model X problems
The 2021 Tesla Model X was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Tesla Model S / Model X. The Tesla Model S / Model X has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2021 cars, such as falcon wing door failure (sensors and actuators) on the Model X.
2021 Tesla Model X score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 6 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Electric motor7.63 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension6.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering7.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights6.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2020 Tesla Model X
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2020.
Tesla Model S / Model X engine in the 2021 Tesla Model X
Names: Model X 60D · Model X 75D · Model X 90D · Model X 100D · Model X P90D · Model X Gran Autonomía · Model X Plaid
- With caution
Redesign: Long Range and Plaid (2021-2026)
670–1020 hp
There is very little public fault data for these units; recent European recalls do not affect the drivetrain (airbag, seatbelt and brake fluid).[3][4]
Faults that affect 2021 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: RareTraction batteryHigh-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) faultNormal degradation is low: Tesla publishes an average loss of 12% at 320,000 km. Real battery faults are rare, with a few BMS cases and replacements before 250,000 km cited by fiches-auto.fr.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectric motor and reduction gearVibrations from worn front driveshaftsOn dual-motor versions, the front driveshafts can wear and cause vibrations under hard acceleration. Auto Bild cites it on the Model X and fiches-auto.fr records several cases; the motor and reduction gear assembly does not usually fail.
- High severityFrequency: RareElectric motor and reduction gearElectric motor or drive unit faultThe motor and reduction gear units of the Model S and X are considered robust: Auto Bild hardly records any faults. fiches-auto.fr says some owners have replaced the motor or battery before 250,000 km, though without frequency figures.
Faults outside the engine in the 2021 Tesla Model X
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFalcon wing door failure (sensors and actuators) on the Model XThe vertically opening rear doors have caused problems since launch: Wikipedia records rear door pauses and stoppages in 2016 and a Tesla lawsuit against its hydraulic supplier over oil leaks and overheating; the fiches-auto.fr profile cites 2 cases of faulty sensors or actuators.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentCentral screen (MCU) failure due to the Model X's eMMC memoryThe fiches-auto.fr profile records 3 screen mentions among 10 Model X reports, including eMMC memory failures that slow the system down and a screen problem on a 100D.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of the suspension wishbones and ball joints on the Model XThe fiches-auto.fr profile cites 3 suspension mentions among 10 Model X reports, including a taxi 90D with 255,000 km that needed running gear work and had premature wear of wishbones and ball joints.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Tesla Model X reliable?
The 2021 Tesla Model X was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Tesla Model S / Model X. The Tesla Model S / Model X has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2021 cars, such as falcon wing door failure (sensors and actuators) on the Model X.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model X better than the 2020?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2020 and 2021 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the Tesla Model X?
According to our score, the best are 2026, 2025, 2024 and 3 other years with the same score (8.3/10). The year with the worst score is 2016 (7.3/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2021 Tesla Model X have?
The most important ones documented for 2021 cars are: high-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) fault (Tesla Model S / Model X, critical severity), electric motor or drive unit fault (Tesla Model S / Model X, high severity), vibrations from worn front driveshafts (Tesla Model S / Model X, medium severity), falcon wing door failure (sensors and actuators) on the Model X (bodywork and interior, medium severity) and central screen (MCU) failure due to the Model X's eMMC memory (electronics and infotainment, medium severity).
Own a 2021 Tesla Model X? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité Tesla Model X (2016-2021): tous les problèmesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
- Tesla Model XWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
- Tesla Model S Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
- Tesla Model X Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026