2016 Tesla Model X

Overview

On record

6 warnings, 12 recalls

What changed for 2016

• Deliveries begin in September 2015, the Signature Series among the first, alongside the 75D, 90D and P90D. A 60D arrives in July 2016 and the P100D, with Ludicrous Mode, in August. Edmunds, AutoGuide, a published reference

Compare 2016 with 2017

Rare and special

• Signature Series

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Also in the generation, years not known: Signature Red AutoGuide, Electrek, SlashGear, Deep Blue AutoGuide, SlashGear, Titanium AutoGuide

Interiors

• Black

Sources: Electrek

Interiors in the generation, years not known: White Electrek, Cream Electrek

Specs

Motors

• Dual motor CarGurus, a published reference

Batteries

• 90 kWh (2016–2017) CarGurus, AutoGuide, a published reference

Drivetrains

• All-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference

Trims

• Signature Series (2016) AutoGuide, Electrek, a published reference
• 75D (2016–2019) Edmunds, a published reference
• 90D (2016–2017) Edmunds
• P90D (2016) Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

• Six-seat interior CarGurus, Electrek
• Seven-seat interior CarGurus, Electrek, Edmunds
• Ludicrous Mode CarGurus, AutoGuide
• Subzero Weather Package AutoGuide, Electrek
• Tow Package AutoGuide, Electrek
• Enhanced Autopilot CarGurus, Electrek
• Full Self-Driving Capability Electrek, Edmunds

Also in the generation, years not known: 75 kWh CarGurus, a published reference, 100 kWh CarGurus, a published reference, 60D CarGurus, a published reference, P100D Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, Premium Upgrades Package Electrek

Figures for the whole Original

• P100D 0 to 60 mph: 2.9 seconds CarGurus, a published reference
• P100D EPA range: 289 miles Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
• 100D EPA range, 2017: 295 miles Edmunds
• Long Range EPA range, July 2019: 325 miles Edmunds, a published reference
• Towing capacity, with the tow bar: 5,000 lb A published reference
• Cargo space: 87.8 cu ft A published reference

Rare trims and options

• Rare

  Signature Series Trim

  Offered first, to reservation holders who put down a $40,000 deposit Electrek, a published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Falcon-wing doors that stop or will not latch All years

  Check: Open and close both falcon-wing doors several times, from the screen, the key and the door button. Watch that each rises all the way without stopping for nothing, and closes and latches.

  Early cars' doors sometimes did not open or latch, and Tesla answered with software updates. Owners on Tesla Motors Club, in three threads, still report doors that sense obstacles that are not there: two with 2018 cars, one of them parked in the sun, and one in 2016 whose door sensors were replaced on a car weeks old. CarGurus, a published reference, owners' reports (unofficial)

• Panel gaps, seals and rattles All years

  Check: Look along every panel gap and at the paint and door seals in good light, and listen for squeaks and rattles on a rough road.

  Edmunds found inconsistent panel gaps and paint and rubber gasket problems on the 2017, and more squeaks and rattles than other high-end SUVs on the 2019. Owners on Tesla Motors Club in 2016 traded stories of door seals torn on delivery day and noisy air conditioning. Edmunds, owners' reports (unofficial)

• Worn touchscreen memory 2016–2018

  Check: Confirm with Tesla or NHTSA that recall 21V035000 was done.

  The touchscreen's memory chip wears out, which can take the rear camera, the defrost settings and the turn signals with it. NHTSA

• Corroded power steering bolts 2016

  One source so far

  Check: Confirm that recall 20V062000 was done.

  The aluminum bolts holding the power steering motor can corrode and break, and the steering loses its assist. NHTSA

• Roof trim that can come off 2016

  One source so far

  Check: Confirm that recalls 20V710000 and 24V615000 were done, and press on the roof trim to feel that it is stuck down.

  The front and spine roof trim may have been stuck on without primer and can come off while driving. NHTSA

• Parking brake gear 2016–2017

  Check: Confirm that recall 17V260000 was done.

  A gear in the electric parking brake can break, so the brake may not hold the car or may not release. NHTSA

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2016 Recall 24V615000

  The front and center roof trim may have been stuck on without primer and can come off. The adhesion is tested and the trim reattached where needed. NHTSA

• 2016–2024 Recall 24V376000

  The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

• 2016–2024 Recall 24V051000

  The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

• 2016–2023 Recall 23V838000

  Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

• 2016–2023 Recall 23V085000

  Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Watch for

  The 2016 to 2018 cars 2016–2018

  Less sought after One source so far

  CarGurus calls 2016 to 2018 the worst years, plagued by suspension and build quality issues and troublesome falcon-wing doors, with more complaints and investigations at NHTSA and low predicted reliability from Consumer Reports. CarGurus

Maintenance

• Cabin air filter All years

  Replace every 2 years Tesla

• HEPA and carbon filters All years

  Replace every 3 years Tesla

• Wiper blades All years

  Replace every 1 year Tesla

• Clean and lubricate the brake calipers All years

  Service every 12,500 miles or 1 year Tesla

  Only for roads salted in winter

• Tire rotation All years

  Service every 6,250 miles. Sooner if the tread depth differs by 2/32 in or more Tesla

Warranty when new