Tesla Model X Years to Skip and the Safer Used Picks
If you want the shortest answer, I’d be most cautious with the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Tesla Model X. The 2019 model is better, but I’d still inspect it carefully. For most used buyers, the 2020 and newer Model X years are the safer picks because they tend to have fewer early-production issues and better refinement.
When people ask me about Tesla Model X years to avoid, I usually tell them to focus on the early years first. The Model X is a unique SUV, but its first few model years had more complaints than later versions.
In this guide, I’ll break down which years raise the most red flags, why those years are riskier, and what to check before you buy a used Model X.
Tesla Model X Years to Avoid: The Short Answer for Shoppers
| Model X year | Reliability outlook | My take |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Poor | Most reported early issues; best to avoid unless price and records are exceptional. |
| 2017 | Below average | Still carries many launch-era concerns. |
| 2018 | Mixed | Improved in some areas, but repairs can still be expensive. |
| 2019 | Better, but cautious | Worth considering only after a careful inspection. |
| 2020+ | Generally better | Usually the safer used-buy range. |
The Model X years with the most reported reliability concerns
The years I’d watch most closely are 2016, 2017, and 2018. These are the models most affected by early build quality issues, Falcon Wing door problems, and costly suspension or electronics repairs.
The years that are generally safer used buys
If you want a better chance of fewer headaches, I’d start with 2020 and newer. The 2021 refresh and later updates brought better hardware, more refinement, and improved day-to-day usability for many owners.
How to interpret “avoid” versus “buy with caution”
“Avoid” does not always mean every car is bad. It means I’d be extra careful because the odds of trouble are higher. “Buy with caution” means the year can still be a smart purchase if the service history is strong, the price is right, and the car passes a thorough inspection.
Why Some Tesla Model X Years Are Riskier Than Others
Early-production quality control problems
The first Model X years were affected by the usual launch issues that can happen with a brand-new design. Owners reported fit and finish problems, interior trim issues, rattles, and parts that did not always age well. These problems do not make every early Model X unreliable, but they do raise the odds of ownership frustrations.
The Model X’s Falcon Wing doors use sensors and complex hinge hardware, which means there are simply more things that can go wrong compared with a normal SUV door.
Falcon Wing door and sensor-related issues
The Falcon Wing doors are one of the Model X’s signature features, but they are also one of the biggest reasons some years are riskier. Misalignment, sensor faults, and slow or inconsistent operation can turn a cool feature into an expensive repair.
Battery, drivetrain, and high-voltage system concerns
Most Model X vehicles are built around strong electric hardware, but battery and drive unit issues can be expensive when they happen. Even if major failures are not common, a single repair can cost far more than the average gas SUV repair. That is why I always look hard at warranty coverage and service history.
Software updates that fixed some problems and created others
Tesla’s software updates have solved many issues over the years, especially with infotainment and charging behavior. Still, software changes can also introduce new bugs or temporary glitches. A used Model X with a clean history and current software is usually a better bet than one with repeated warning messages or unresolved updates.
Tesla’s official support page is a good place to check recall, service, and ownership information before you buy.
Tesla Model X Years to Avoid Most Often
| Year | Why it stands out | My buy advice |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Launch-year reliability complaints, door issues, trim faults, and early electronics problems. | Avoid unless it has outstanding records and a very attractive price. |
| 2017 | Many early issues carried over, with some owners still reporting expensive repairs. | Buy only after a deep inspection. |
| 2018 | Better than launch years, but still known for mixed reliability and high repair costs. | Possible, but not my first choice. |
| 2019 | Improved refinement, yet not as worry-free as later years. | Consider carefully if condition is strong. |
2016 Tesla Model X — launch-year problems and common complaints
The 2016 Model X is the year I’d be most likely to skip. It was the first full production year, and launch-year vehicles often carry the most bugs. Owners reported door problems, electronics glitches, trim issues, and other quality-control concerns.
2017 Tesla Model X — lingering early-build issues
The 2017 model improved in some areas, but it still carried many of the same concerns. If a 2017 has a weak service record or repeated repairs, I’d move on. The savings at purchase can disappear fast if you end up paying for repeated fixes.
2018 Tesla Model X — mixed reliability and expensive repairs
The 2018 Model X is a mixed bag. Some owners have had decent experiences, but others still report suspension, door, and infotainment issues. This year can be tempting because prices are lower than newer models, but the risk of expensive repairs remains.
2019 Tesla Model X — improved, but still not the most worry-free choice
The 2019 Model X is better than the earlier years, and I do see it recommended more often than 2016 to 2018 models. Still, I would not call it carefree. It is one of those years where the exact car matters more than the badge on the back. Service history and warranty status are key.
Tesla Model X Years That Are Usually Better Picks
2020 Tesla Model X — stronger choice for used buyers
The 2020 Model X is where I start feeling more comfortable for used shoppers. It benefits from years of fixes and updates, so the ownership experience is often more polished than the early cars. That does not mean it is perfect, but it is usually a safer starting point.
2021 Tesla Model X — refreshed updates and better refinement
The 2021 Model X brought a refreshed interior and more modern tech, which helped the SUV feel more current. For many buyers, this is a sweet spot because it combines newer hardware with better refinement than the earlier models.
2022–2024 Tesla Model X — advantages of newer hardware and updates
The 2022 through 2024 Model X years generally give you the best mix of updated hardware, newer software support, and less aging-related wear. These are still expensive vehicles, but the odds of running into old launch-era problems are lower.
For broader safety and recall research, I also like checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database before buying any used EV.
Pros and cons of buying a newer Model X versus an older one
- Newer hardware and software
- Lower chance of early build issues
- Better refinement and features
- More remaining warranty coverage
- Higher purchase price
- Depreciation can still be steep
- Older cars may have more wear and tear
- Some newer options still need careful inspection
Common Tesla Model X Problems That Make Certain Years Worth Avoiding
Falcon Wing door alignment and sensor failures
The Falcon Wing doors are one of the most common trouble spots. If the doors do not open and close smoothly, or if they stop and restart often, that can point to sensor or alignment issues.
Air suspension faults and ride-height issues
Air suspension can be great when it works, but repairs are not cheap. If the SUV sits unevenly, makes clunking noises, or fails to adjust ride height properly, I’d treat that as a serious warning sign.
Touchscreen, MCU, and infotainment glitches
Some Model X vehicles have had touchscreen lag, freezing, or display failures. Since so many vehicle functions run through the screen, infotainment problems can quickly become everyday annoyances.
Battery degradation and charging consistency concerns
Battery wear is normal over time, but inconsistent charging speed or a big drop in range can point to a bigger issue. I always want to see how the car charges on a real charger, not just what the dash says.
Premature tire wear and suspension wear on heavy SUVs
The Model X is a heavy SUV, and that weight can be tough on tires and suspension parts. If the previous owner drove aggressively or skipped alignments, replacement costs can stack up fast.
A used Model X with repeated suspension warnings, door faults, or charging issues should not be bought just because the price looks low. These repairs can erase your savings quickly.
What to Check Before Buying Any Used Tesla Model X
- Review the vehicle history report and service records
- Confirm software version and recall completion
- Test Falcon Wing doors multiple times
- Inspect charging speed, battery health, and range estimates
- Look for suspension noises, warning lights, and trim issues
- Verify warranty coverage for battery and drive unit
Review the vehicle history report and service records
I always want to see what the car has been through. Accident history, repeated repairs, and gaps in maintenance can tell you a lot about how the SUV was treated.
Confirm software version and recall completion
Ask whether all recalls and software updates are current. A used Tesla with outdated software or unresolved recall work deserves extra caution.
Test Falcon Wing doors multiple times
Open and close each Falcon Wing door several times. Watch for slow movement, uneven gaps, sensor stops, or strange noises. If the doors act up during a test drive, they may get worse later.
Inspect charging speed, battery health, and range estimates
Check how the car charges on a Level 2 charger and, if possible, a DC fast charger. Compare the displayed range with what the vehicle should reasonably show for its age and mileage.
Look for suspension noises, warning lights, and trim issues
Listen for clunks or squeaks over bumps. Look for warning lights on startup. Check the interior trim, carpet, and door seals too, because small issues can hint at bigger care problems.
Verify warranty coverage for battery and drive unit
Battery and drive unit coverage can make a huge difference in ownership risk. If the warranty is still active, that can soften the blow of buying an older Model X.
Before you buy, ask the seller for a cold-start walkaround video. That can reveal warning messages, door behavior, ride-height issues, and other problems you might miss during a short test drive.
Tesla Model X Ownership Costs by Model Year
Repair costs for early Model X years versus newer ones
Older Model X vehicles may cost less upfront, but repairs can be much more expensive than on a typical SUV. A lower purchase price does not always mean a better deal.
Insurance, tire, and suspension expenses
Insurance can be high on a Model X, especially for newer trims or higher-value vehicles. Tires also wear faster than many buyers expect, and suspension work can add to long-term costs.
Battery replacement risk and long-term ownership cost
Battery replacement is not something most owners will face right away, but it is still part of the risk picture. Even if the battery lasts a long time, the possibility of a major electric drivetrain repair affects total ownership cost.
Why a cheaper purchase price can still mean a more expensive SUV
I always remind buyers to look at the total cost, not just the asking price. A cheaper early Model X can become the most expensive one if it needs door repairs, suspension work, and repeated electrical fixes.
You notice repeated warning lights, uneven suspension height, charging errors, or Falcon Wing doors that fail to complete a full open-and-close cycle. Those are the kinds of issues I want a Tesla-experienced technician to inspect before money changes hands.
Tesla Model X Years to Avoid FAQs
The 2016 Tesla Model X is usually the year I’d avoid first. It had the most launch-year complaints and the highest chance of early production issues.
It can be a good car in the right condition, but I’d treat it as a high-risk used buy. Strong service records, warranty coverage, and a clean inspection are essential.
I’d usually look at 2020 and newer first, with 2021 to 2024 being the most appealing for many buyers. These years tend to be more refined and less tied to early build problems.
They are common enough that I always test them carefully on a used Model X. Sensor faults, alignment issues, and slow operation are all things to watch for.
Not always, but newer models usually have fewer early-production issues and better refinement. I still recommend checking service history and doing a full inspection.
You can check the VIN and recall status through Tesla’s support resources and the NHTSA recall database. I always recommend confirming both before buying used.
If I were shopping for a used Model X, I’d be most cautious with the 2016 through 2018 models, careful with 2019, and more comfortable with 2020 and newer. The best deal is not always the cheapest one; it is the one with the strongest history, clean inspection results, and manageable long-term costs.
- 2016, 2017, and 2018 are the Model X years I’d avoid most often.
- 2019 is better, but I’d still inspect it closely.
- 2020 and newer are usually safer used-buy choices.
- Falcon Wing doors, suspension, and electronics are key trouble spots.
- Always check records, recalls, charging behavior, and warranty coverage.
