Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model S vs Tesla Model X
How the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Tesla Model S vs Tesla Model X: The Model S averages 402 complaints per year and has 106 recalls, while the Model X averages 313 complaints per year and has 111 recalls. The Model X also shows 260 deaths in crash-related complaints versus 1 for the Model S. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model S or Tesla Model X more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is an electric luxury sedan that has been on the road for about a decade, averaging roughly 402 owner complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, suspension, and advanced driver aids like forward collision avoidance. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, suspension noises, and instances where automatic braking or parking features fail to intervene. With 106 recalls and 530 crash-related complaints, it's a complex vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with falcon-wing doors, averaging about 313 complaints per year over the same period. Suspension and electrical issues dominate, but owners also complain about steering and forward collision avoidance. Reported problems include tire blowouts, touchscreen turn signals that are easy to misoperate, and multiple safety systems failing at once. It has 111 recalls and a notably high 260 deaths in crash-related complaints, though the exact circumstances aren't detailed in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model S | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,016 | 3,128 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 106 Better | 111 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 530 | 383 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 401.6 | 312.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 248 Better | 417 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 260 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Tesla Model S
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM974
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 03SUSPENSION916
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE552
- 05STEERING450
Owners report the car suddenly shutting down and refusing to restart, even with the emergency restart bar, leaving them stranded. Another complaint describes the vehicle independently entering Race mode while parked and charging, causing an unexpected surge. These failures can happen without warning and affect basic drivability.
A common complaint is a popping or creaking sound from the front suspension when driving or turning the steering wheel. Owners worry something is loose, but Tesla has reportedly dismissed it as normal body flex. This noise can indicate worn components and may worsen over time.
Drivers report that Autopark and Full Self-Driving sometimes fail to brake for obstacles, such as a pole behind a parking spot or a freeway transition. In one case, the car crashed into a pole after Autopark kept going. These are serious safety concerns because the systems are supposed to prevent collisions, not cause them.
Steering-related complaints are among the top five, though specific owner text isn't provided. Recalls include steering wheel/handle bar issues, suggesting potential problems with the steering column or controls. Buyers should test steering for unusual noises or looseness.
“On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was driving down a small back alley/street in Baltimore when my Tesla Model S Plaid sedan stopped operating. It would not restart, including with the emergency restart bar. Since I was unable to restart it, I left it there wh…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was connected to the charging port and independently went into Race mode. The contact stated that the charge increased from 0 to 60 instantly. The vehicle…”
Tesla Model X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tire blowouts on the freeway with no impact or warning, which they link to faulty tire pressure monitoring. Another complaint describes a suspension-related incident while using Full Self-Driving at highway speed. These issues can lead to loss of control and are costly to repair.
Complaints include unexpected stopping due to spilled liquid on the center console and delays in infotainment commands, like opening a garage door. Such glitches can distract the driver and, in the case of a sudden stop, create a rear-end collision risk.
One owner reported simultaneous failure of ABS, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking, with dashboard warnings. Another said Full Self-Driving ignored navigation and took a wrong path. These failures undermine confidence in both manual and automated steering.
Although specific complaint text isn't provided, this component is among the top five. Given the Model X's advanced driver-assist features, failures here could mean the car doesn't brake or warn when it should. Buyers should verify that all driver-assist functions work during a test drive.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Tesla Model S — 106 recalls
The defect: 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, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope…
The risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there ma…
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Tesla Model X — 111 recalls
The defect: 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, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: 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…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Buyer analysis
Tesla Model S or Tesla Model X: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model X has fewer complaints per year (about 313) than the Model S (about 402), but it has more recalls (111 vs. 106) and a much higher number of deaths in crash-related complaints (260 vs. 1). In practice, the Model X may generate fewer owner complaints overall, but the severity of reported outcomes appears greater, so both require thorough pre-purchase inspections.
Key differences
- The Model S has more complaints per year (402 vs. 313) but fewer recalls (106 vs. 111) and far fewer deaths in crash complaints (1 vs. 260).
- Model S owners frequently report sudden power loss and suspension noises, while Model X owners report tire blowouts and touchscreen turn signal confusion.
- Both suffer from electrical and suspension issues, but the Model X also has notable steering system failures where multiple safety features quit at once.
- Forward collision avoidance is a top complaint for both, with Model S owners describing Autopark and FSD failures to brake for obstacles.
- Listen for popping or creaking noises from the front suspension when turning the steering wheel or driving over bumps—this is a commonly reported issue that Tesla may dismiss as normal.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly: ensure the car starts reliably, check for any warning lights, and verify that the emergency restart bar functions if equipped.
- Inspect all tires for uneven wear or damage, and check that the tire pressure monitoring system works—owners report blowouts without warning.
- Test every driver-assist feature, including Autopilot, Full Self-Driving, and automatic emergency braking, to ensure they engage and disengage properly and don't cause unexpected steering or braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for air bags, steering, and electrical software.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the suspension, steering, and electrical systems for signs of wear or failure.
- During a test drive, deliberately engage forward collision avoidance and parking assist to see if they respond correctly.
- Check for any aftermarket modifications, such as custom wheels, which can crack and cause safety issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior electrical, suspension, or driver-assist repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Tesla Model S | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 | 15 |
| 2024 | 38 | 26 |
| 2023 | 118 | 199 |
| 2022 | 138 | 127 |
| 2021 | 179 | 123 |
| 2020 | 80 | 381 |
| 2019 | 160 | 365 |
| 2018 | 640 | 700 |
| 2017 | 2653 | 1185 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Tesla Model S or Tesla Model X in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model S vs Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model S total complaints
- 4,016
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- Tesla Model S total recalls
- 106
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
- 401.6
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model S top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION