IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2016–2018 Tesla Model X

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 2016–2018 Tesla Model X. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

5
Known Issues
0
Serious
4
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2016–2018 period has 4 more issues than the Tesla Model X average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Falcon Wing Door Sensors

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The complex sensors (ultrasonic and capacitive) in the falcon wing doors can fail, leading to "ghost" obstacle detection where the door stops opening or refuses to open at all.

Most affected: All Model X variants

Estimated cost: £300–£800Affects: 2016–2021Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Door stops mid-opening
  • •False obstacle detection
  • •Door won't close flush
  • •Warning chimes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Open and close doors multiple times
  • ✓Check for uniform panel gaps when closed
  • ✓Inspect seals for pinching or damage

Front Half-Shaft Shudder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

A shudder or vibration felt through the floor and steering wheel under hard acceleration, caused by excessive wear in the front drive shafts (half-shafts).

Most affected: All All-Wheel Drive models, especially Performance/Ludicrous

Estimated cost: £600–£1,200Affects: 2016–2021Often appears around: 20,000–50,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Vibration under heavy acceleration
  • •Wobble felt at 30-50 mph
  • •Clicking noise when turning

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Accelerate hard in "Standard" or "High" suspension modes
  • ✓Feel for vibration through the accelerator pedal
  • ✓Check for grease leaks on CV boots

Suspension Creaking & Thumping

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Like the Model S, the heavy Model X is prone to premature suspension wear. Front lower control arms and sway bar links are common failure points.

Most affected: All Model X variants

Estimated cost: £400–£900Affects: 2016–2022Often appears around: 30,000–50,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Creaking when steering
  • •Thumping noise over speed bumps
  • •Vibration through steering wheel

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check for play in front wheels while car is lifted
  • ✓Listen for noises during low-speed maneuvers

MCU1 eMMC Memory Failure (Recall 21V035)

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Like the Model S, early Model X units with MCU1 infotainment systems are prone to eMMC memory failure, leading to a black screen and loss of critical functions. A recall (21V035) covers the replacement of the daughterboard with an improved 64GB chip.

Most affected: Models built before March 2018

Estimated cost: £0–£1,800Affects: 2016–2018Often appears around: 50,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen freezing
  • •Slow response
  • •Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity loss
  • •Total screen failure

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check if the MCU has been upgraded to MCU2
  • ✓Verify if the recall work has been performed
  • ✓Test the responsiveness of the navigation

MCU Yellow Screen Border

MinorInterior & Trim

A yellow tint or border can develop around the edges of the main 17-inch touchscreen due to a defect in the adhesive used in the display stack.

Most affected: Models with MCU1 or early MCU2

Estimated cost: £200–£1,500Affects: 2016–2018Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Yellow line around screen perimeter
  • •Discoloration of menus
  • •Ghosting on edges

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect screen with a white background
  • ✓Check if UV "fix" has been applied by Tesla
  • ✓Verify touch sensitivity in affected areas

Buying Tips for the 2016 Tesla Model X

  • ✓Test the Falcon Wing doors extensively on both flat and sloped ground
  • ✓Check for a shuddering sensation under hard acceleration which indicates drive shaft wear
  • ✓Inspect the panoramic windshield for any chips or cracks, as replacement is very expensive
  • ✓Like the Model S, 2023+ models are Left-Hand Drive only in the UK
2019–2021 Tesla Model X

Browse 2016–2018 Tesla Model X in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2016–2018 Tesla Model X vehicles.

View 2016–2018 Directory

Other Tesla Model X Year Periods

2016–20182019–202120222023–2024

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