2021 Tesla MODEL X problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
40 owner complaints analyzed
24 distinct recall campaigns
1,650 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 40 complaints (27.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 12 | 30.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 5.0% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 2.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Suspension | 6 |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 |
Steering: 11; Unknown Or Other: 9; Electrical System: 6; Suspension: 6; Lane Departure: Warning: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 3; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2021: 12; 2022: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 9; 2025: 11; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11470730 · 2022-06-23 (June 23, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer while entering a parking lot. The contact stopped and restarted the vehicle before driving back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11470730 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11535984 · 2023-08-02 (August 2, 2023)
AFTER AN UPDATE I WAS REVERSING MY CAR , CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND STEERING WHEEL LOST CONTROL WITH SIGN OF STEERING ASSIST REDUCED AND LANE DEPARTURE ..... IT WAS A DEATH SCARE. I CONTACTED TESLA, 3 WEEKS AGO AND TODAY MY CAR HAS GONE FOR REPAIR. I HEAR THAT MODEL Y AND 3 ARE RECALLED. I CAN NOT TRUST DRIVING TESLA MODEL X CAR ANY MORE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11535984 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11536030 · 2023-08-02 (August 2, 2023)
Compressor fails causing cooling of the battery to fail and AC in the car not to work. System sais AC reduced charging reduced. No Air at all. It seems to be a very common issue. This seems unsafe and is a major expense to fix. $2300+
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11536030 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11620318 · 2024-10-17 (October 17, 2024)
12v Battery is keep discharging in every two to three months. Tesla service can't find issues or not telling me what is the reason. I have got 5 replacements of 12v battery in last one year. So I think there is a issue in car or bug they are not able to fix it because of limitation. Please let me know how to handle this.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11620318 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11585512 · 2024-04-26 (April 26, 2024)
[XXX] I was driving southbound on [XXX] in Dallas, TX (near [XXX] exit) in Tesla ModelX, with 2 kids in the back seat. It is raining. My speed is around 60-65mph and I am in the rightmost lane. Suddenly the vehicle skids a little, and my steering wheel and brakes are not working anymore. It seemed that the car took complete control and does a full 360 rotation, crossing 4 lanes on the highway. I recall the 10 seconds when I am facing the incoming cars and the only thought I had "this is the end". For whatever reason, the incoming cars slowdown…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11585512 at NHTSA ↗