In-depth reviews

Tesla Model X SUV - Reliability & safety

No evidence of reliability yet, but Tesla’s reputation is encouraging

Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Reliability & safety Rating

4.0 out of 5

The Tesla Model X was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in late 2019, earning a five-star safety rating. In 2016, Tesla was the runaway winner of our Driver Power manufacturer survey, and it came an impressive second in 2022's results. The Tesla Model X didn’t make it into the survey’s top 75 cars list, however.

Tesla Model X reliability

The latest Driver Power survey results may well place the brand well ahead of many more established rivals overall, but reliability doesn’t appear to be one of Tesla’s strong points. More than 44% of Tesla owners reported a fault within the first year, which was a higher proportion than any other manufacturer. The Model X is closely related to the Model S under the surface and that car is now well proven. However, some owners in America have reported faults with the ‘falcon wing’ doors.

Safety

When the Model X was crash-tested by Euro NCAP it scored a maximum five-star rating - the same overall score as the Model S and Model 3. The Model X rated highly across the board, including 98% for adult occupant protection and 81% for child occupant protection.

Thanks to its advanced suite of standard safety kit that includes autonomous emergency braking and the ‘Autopilot’ driving assistance system, the Model X scored a highly impressive 94% for safety assistance - a rating only matched in 2019 by the Model 3.

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

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