2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model X has 10 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear ($300-$1,600 repair), First-Row Seat Belt Anchor May Detach (Recall) ($0-$0 repair), Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving ($0-$0 repair), Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall) ($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: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Model X vehicles. The parking lights and low beam headlights may flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
+ 26 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model X has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear, First-Row Seat Belt Anchor May Detach (Recall), Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Tesla Model X has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Front Upper Control Arm Clunk & Premature Suspension Wear and First-Row Seat Belt Anchor May Detach (Recall) and Phantom Braking on Autopilot / Full Self-Driving and Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall) 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.
Tesla recalled 15,000+ Model S and Model X vehicles (Model X built Sept 8, 2021-June 24, 2023) because front-row seat belts may not be properly connected to their pretensioner anchors. During certain prior repairs the belt was disconnected from the pretensioner and not correctly… Repairs typically run $0-$0. 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.
Tesla recalled 40,000+ Model S and Model X vehicles from 2017-2021 because the electronic power steering assist can suddenly stop working after hitting a pothole or driving on rough roads, causing a sudden increase in steering effort and higher crash risk. A separate earlier reca… 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.
