2016 vs 2017 Tesla Model X
Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
2016
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Corroded power steering bolts 2016 One source so far
What to 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
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Roof trim that can come off 2016 One source so far
What to 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
2017
Nothing that 2016 lacks.
Both years
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Falcon-wing doors that stop or will not latch All years
What to 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)
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Panel gaps, seals and rattles All years
What to 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)
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Worn touchscreen memory 2016–2018
What to 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
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Parking brake gear 2016–2017
What to 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
Rare catches
2016
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Rare
Signature Series Trim
Offered first, to reservation holders who put down a $40,000 deposit Electrek, a published reference
2017
Nothing that 2016 lacks.
Recalls
2016
- 16V192000 2016
The third-row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal crash. The third-row seats are replaced. NHTSA
- 20V062000 2016
Aluminum bolts holding the power steering motor to its housing may corrode and break, cutting the steering assist. They are replaced with coated steel bolts. NHTSA
- 20V710000 2016
The front and spine roof trim may have been stuck on without primer and can come off while driving. The adhesion is tested and primer applied where needed. NHTSA
- 24V615000 2016
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
2017
- 21V846000 2017–2021
On one software version, a fault can bring false collision warnings or sudden automatic braking. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
- 22V818000 2017–2021
Power steering assist can drop out on rough roads or after a pothole. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
Both years
- 17V260000 2016–2017
A gear in the electric parking brake can break, so the brake may not release or may not hold the car. NHTSA
- 17V639000 2016–2017
The left second-row seat back may not latch fully because its recliner cables were set wrongly. The cables are adjusted. NHTSA
- 21V035000 2016–2018
The touchscreen's memory chip wears out, losing the rear camera, defrost settings and turn signals. The memory board is replaced. NHTSA
- 22V037000 2016–2022
Full Self-Driving Beta's rolling stop could take the car through an all-way stop without stopping. The feature is switched off over the air. NHTSA
- 23V085000 2016–2023
Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
- 23V838000 2016–2023
Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
- 24V051000 2016–2024
The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
- 24V376000 2016–2024
The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2016, up to and including 2017.
- 2017The 60D is dropped and air suspension becomes standard from October 2016. In June 2017 the 90D is dropped, and in July LED fog lights and turning headlights become standard and the upgrades are bundled into the Premium Upgrades Package. CarGurus, Electrek, a published reference
What it came with
2016
2017
Both years
Interiors
2016
Nothing that 2017 lacks.
2017
Nothing that 2016 lacks.
Both years
- Black Electrek
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2016
Nothing that 2017 lacks.
2017
Nothing that 2016 lacks.
Both years
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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