2016 Tesla Model X Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2016-2022 Tesla Model X Dual Motor Electric, 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 joint / bushing. Owners and a class-action complaint allege the fore and aft links wear early; in severe cases a failed control arm compromises steering stability. The heavy curb weight of the Model X accelerates ball-joint and bushing wear versus lighter EVs.

On the 2016-2023 Tesla Model X Dual Motor Electric, 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 faults can mimic a leak by commanding bleed-down. Compressor failure is often driven by moisture ingress causing internal rust or winter freezing.

On the 2016-2018 Tesla Model X Dual Motor Electric, 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 black. A dead MCU takes down climate control, navigation, backup camera, charging control, and phone-key access. NHTSA pressured Tesla into a recall covering this defect.

On the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X, 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 widespread and persistent. Some owners report recurrence after repair.

On the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X, 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 Model X built from mid-February 2022 (Tesla Vision, camera-only), shadows, glare, overpasses, and oncoming traffic can trigger unexpected braking. A small 2021 FSD Beta software recall (21V-846, about 11,700 Model S, X, 3 and Y) fixed false collision warnings and emergency braking over the air; NHTSA's multi-year phantom-braking investigation (PE22-002) covered 2021-2022 Model 3 and Model Y, not Model X, and was closed in 2026 as incidents declined with software updates.

On the 2016-2021 Tesla Model X Large Drive Unit (LDU), 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, distinguishing it from tire noise. Left unaddressed, bearing wear can escalate to full drive-unit failure. Tesla historically replaces the complete unit rather than the bearing.

On the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X Dual Motor Electric, 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 integrates the wiper and sensor mounts, replacement is expensive and often has long parts lead times. Some delamination cases have been covered under warranty as a manufacturing defect.

On the 2016-2024 Tesla Model X, 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 → Gen 2 → Gen 3 latch mechanism). Issue persists across years but Gen 3 (post-2019) is noticeably more reliable.