2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026
2016 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Tesla Model X has 9 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear ($300-$1,600 repair), MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure (Black/Frozen Center Screen) ($0-$2,500 repair), Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving ($0-$0 repair) and Large Drive Unit Bearing Whine / Motor Failure ($1,500-$9,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and will not display a warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Tesla Model X has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear, MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure (Black/Frozen Center Screen), Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2016 Tesla Model X has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear and MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure (Black/Frozen Center Screen) and Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving and Large Drive Unit Bearing Whine / Motor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Tesla Model X issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear, typically costs $300-$1,600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Model X front (and to a lesser extent rear) control arm assemblies are widely reported to prematurely wear, loosen, or crack. The most common complaint is a clunking or creaking noise from the front suspension over bumps, traced to water intrusion into the upper control arm ball… Repairs typically run $300-$1,600. Severity: high.
Early Model X vehicles (built before March 2018) use a Media Control Unit (MCU1) with an 8GB eMMC flash chip rated for only ~3,000 write cycles. Constant logging wears the chip out, degrading memory segments until the central touchscreen freezes, reboots repeatedly, or goes fully… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: high.
Model X vehicles using Autopilot or FSD have reported 'phantom braking' - sudden, unprompted hard braking or deceleration when no obstacle is present. With radar removed from post-2021 cars (Tesla Vision, camera-only), shadows, glare, overpasses, and oncoming traffic can trigger… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Earlier Model X drive units can develop a progressive hum, whine, or drone that rises with road speed, caused by worn rotor bearings inside the motor (the bearings spin up to ~22,000 RPM). The noise is present regardless of throttle position and independent of road surface, disti… Repairs typically run $1,500-$9,000. Severity: high.
The Model X's standard adaptive air suspension develops air leaks at the air struts, fittings, or valve block, plus compressor wear, causing a corner (usually a front) to sag overnight, slow self-leveling, and 'suspension will not raise / needs service' warnings. Height-sensor fa… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The Model X's oversized one-piece panoramic windshield (the largest in production) is prone to cracking from minor rock/stone impacts and to delamination (bubbling/cloudy separation between glass layers), sometimes starting at the edges. Because the glass is huge, curved, and int… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The Model X's motorized front-door handles (which auto-present as you approach and retract when driving) frequently jam, fail to extend, or present but won't unlatch the door. Root causes include worn handle drive gears, debris, a jammed retraction mechanism, or a failed door pop… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The signature Falcon-Wing rear doors on Model X are notoriously trouble-prone — symptoms include doors refusing to open, opening too slowly, getting stuck mid-cycle, mis-detecting obstacles, hitting low ceilings, and squeaking. Tesla revised door hardware multiple times (Gen 1 →… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: medium.
A yellow band or border develops around the perimeter of the center touchscreen. It is not a failed LCD but a breakdown of the adhesive/laminate layer bonding the display, aggravated by heat and UV exposure. It affects both MCU1 and MCU2 units and is largely cosmetic, though wide… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
