When the Tesla Model X hit the electrical car market in 2015, there weren’t an entire lot of automobiles obtainable that might attain practically 300 miles in vary. Now, the all-electric SUV boasts a 326-mile driving vary, based on Tesla, with a 2.5-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration rate and the ability to drive a quarter of a mile in just 9.9 seconds. Performance-wise, the Tesla Model X appears to have all of it, particularly when glancing on the technical specs for the 2023 mannequin.

However, Tesla’s monitor report of recollects — the automaker most not too long ago recalled two million Teslas — stains the tech-savvy automotive’s status. With knowledge from Consumer Reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we break down precisely how dependable the Model X is, full with upfront price, gas effectivity, recollects, dependability, security options, and the common upkeep prices so as so that you can be an knowledgeable purchaser.

In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Consumer Reports, Tesla, and NHTSA.

A Notorious Track Record Of Recalls

As not too long ago as February 2024, Tesla introduced the recall of round 2.2 million electrical automobiles based on the NHTSA. The recall occurred for a few different reasons. First, a handful of warning lights that purpose to alert drivers when one thing is improper with the automotive have been deemed too small. The outcome? A possible security hazard for drivers and passengers.

Additionally, the NHTSA responded to driver complaints about Tesla’s steering and has furthered its investigation. Just a number of months in the past in October, Tesla recalled near 55,000 Model X electrical automobiles as a consequence of a separate drawback: an incapacity to detect low brake fluid, based on Reuters. The cherry on high got here in December when Tesla recalled thousands and thousands of automobiles for autopilot considerations and one other set of Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles were recalled for seat belt problems.

The Model X’s 2023 Recall

In October, tens of hundreds of Model X Teslas have been recalled as a result of the “vehicle controller is likely to fail to detect low brake fluid and not display a warning light,” reported Reuters. The complete car rely got here to 54,676. Just two months later, Consumer Reports reported that Tesla Model X automobiles that featured autopilot, or self-driving, capabilities have been recalled and obtained a software program replace that shut off autopilot for drivers who failed to respond to warnings. As shopper reviews identified, the recall was aimed to forestall what occurred two years prior when 11 Teslas crashed into first responders’ automobiles whereas the autopilot perform was engaged.

When it involves particular mannequin years, the NHTSA has restricted knowledge. Of the Model X releases, starting from 2015 to 2024, the administration solely had knowledge on 10 trim types between the years 2015 and 2017. Of these, 2017 and 2016 have been the one years with the precise variety of security info, whereas 2015 included the variety of complaints, investigations, and recollects. The 2017 Tesla Model X was recalled nine times with 215 complaints leading to 11 investigations. In comparability, the 2016 Tesla Model X’s 391 complaints led to 12 investigations and 10 recalls. The 2015 mannequin’s 4 investigations led to only one recall.

An Overall Above Average Rating

Despite the Model X electrical car’s report for recollects, the NHTSA nonetheless gave the 2017 model of the car 5 begins for an general security score primarily based on crash assessments transferring at 35 MPH. Additionally, J.D. Power, a software for locating and score automobiles, gave the 2023 Tesla Model X a score of 78 out of 100.

According to the location, the rating displays “hundreds of thousands of independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners.” For high quality and reliability, shoppers scored the 2023 Model X a 72 out of 100 which was thought-about a median score. This included and measured the extent of defects, malfunctions, design flaws, and different points with all the things from the powertrain to the know-how. For driving expertise, the 2023 mannequin obtained a “great” rating with a 90 out of 100 for efficiency, consolation, design, and security, amongst others. However, J.D. Power did warn that newer automobiles usually scored larger in comparison with older or used automobiles.

Is The Tesla Model X’s Price Tainted By Mounting Maintenance Costs?

The 2023 Tesla Model X begins at $79,990. While the Model X is far from the cheapest model Tesla offers, it also doesn’t top the charts for starting price. Rather, the mannequin hovers someplace within the center relating to the hooked up price ticket. But might that worth be tainted by upkeep prices? Repair Pal is bound to inform us.

Repair Prices

According to Repair Pal, mounting prices for repairs vary between $88 to $168. However, these are simply analysis, inspection, and testing prices. More detailed info on restore prices is location-specific. With recall points stacking up not too long ago, prices might pile up as effectively.

2024 Tesla Model X Prices

(Data sourced from Tesla and Car and Driver)

J.D. Power’s Average Resale Rating

According to J.D. Power, the Tesla Model X is predicted to depreciate at a gradual and common price. In total, the resale score hits right at 78 out of 100. From scrolling by means of obtainable used Tesla Model X automobiles, it’s tough to gauge precisely how a lot bang on your buck you’ll obtain. Some are reselling for upwards of $80,000 — a fairly stellar return on an preliminary funding — whereas others dip as little as within the $20,000 to $30,000 vary.

The Model X Ranks The Lowest in Tesla Reliability

In 2023, CNN requested an essential query: Why was Tesla continuing to pump out Tesla Model S and Model Y electric vehicles even as sales hit an all-time low? According to the publication, Model X and Model Y automobiles offered accounted for only a meager 5 p.c of gross sales. The reply lies in consistency; the Model X might have decreased in gross sales, nevertheless it nonetheless offered some earnings. Designing and advertising and marketing an all-new Tesla comes with its own set of immense costs that could outweigh discontinuing an established and reliable model.

But the Model X proved to be removed from dependable. The car made headlines in 2023 and 2022 for rating on the backside of trade reliability outcomes. The quite a few recollects, tech points, and potential security hazards appeared to crack Tesla’s shiny, other-worldly picture. Tesla, as an automaker, ranked amongst one of many least dependable electrical car manufacturers, based on Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports’ Unfavorable Rankings

Despite Tesla‘s insistence that the Model X, particularly the 2024 mannequin, is “built for safety,” Consumer Reports doesn’t exactly agree. The website stated that the mannequin “sacrifices practicality for the purpose of showboating,” and within the course of gave the electrical car a low score of 52 out of 100. The score got worse as reliability shot down to two out of five stars.

The main complaints encompass and inform recollects with technological glitches, seat belt points, and steering considerations. The earlier yr’s autopilot security considerations appeared to be the nail within the coffin when it got here to shoppers. Unfortunately for Tesla, it is not uncommon to see the Tesla Model X on the highest of the listing of “Most Unreliable Cars.” Almost all Tesla fashions rank low on the reliability charts, based on Consumer Reports, however the Model Y drops down one level on J.D. Power’s rankings compared to the 2023 Tesla Model Y.

Fuel Economy

To high it off, the Tesla Model X, though outperforming most automobiles in gas financial system, ranks comparatively low in comparison with its fellow Teslas. The 2023 Tesla Model X jumped up from a 2016 mixed metropolis and freeway MPGe of 93 to a mixed MPGe of 98 to 102 in 2023. However, the 2023 Tesla Model S nonetheless has it beat with a combined city and highway fuel economy coming in at 120 MPGe. Additionally, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range editions beat out all fashions with respective mixed metropolis and freeway gas financial system rankings of 132 MPGe and 131 MPGe.