2016 Tesla Model X problems: recalls, complaints and whether this is a year to avoid
Owner complaint records for the 2016 Tesla Model X were not returned in the latest retrieval, so no count is shown rather than a zero that would be wrong. 12 recall entries cover this year.
Which recalls cover the 2016?
Seats
The left-side, second row, reclining seat backs may not fully latch due to having incorrectly adjusted recliner mechanism cables.
Free remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla service technicians will correct the cable adjustment for the left-side, fold-flat, second row, seat recliner mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017.
Parking Brake
The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Free remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018.
Seats
In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load such as in a frontal collision.
Free remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace all affected third row seats, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2016.
Take the campaign number to any franchised Tesla dealer. Recall repairs are free with no mileage or ownership limit, and they follow the car rather than the owner, so a used 2016 with an unrepaired campaign is a free repair you can claim. How recalls work.
Recall text is abridged from the NHTSA record. Search the campaign number at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the full notice and affected VIN ranges.
Which other Tesla Model X years should you compare?
2018 Tesla Model X → · All Tesla Model X years
If you are deciding between years, the Tesla Model X page carries the full run with the component breakdown. Before money changes hands, run the VIN for open recalls and read the inspection checklist — ten minutes in the seller’s driveway finds most of what matters.
Check a 2016 before you commit
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