2019 Tesla Model X Safety Report

2019 Tesla Model X: Numerous recalls and frequent suspension/electrical complaints raise safety concerns.

83Complaints
8Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
10Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Suspension (15)Unknown Or Other (9)Electrical System (5)Forward Collision Avoidance (5)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Structure (4)Electrical System,Structure (3)Wheels (2)Vehicle Speed Control (2)Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Tesla Model X

The 2019 Tesla Model X presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of complaints and recalls impacting its overall safety perception. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year, the complaint data reveals patterns related to the suspension, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. There are 83 total complaints, including 10 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries, with no reported deaths. The recall history is extensive, with 8 recalls addressing critical safety systems such as seat belts, instrument cluster display, ADAS/autonomous driving software, steering assist, and back-over prevention. Common complaint areas include suspension issues (15 complaints), electrical system problems (5 complaints), and forward collision avoidance systems (5 complaints). Several sample complaints highlight serious concerns like sudden unintended acceleration, phantom braking, suspension failures leading to loss of control, and issues with half-shafts and steering components. The lack of specific NHTSA crash test ratings makes a direct comparison to other vehicles difficult, but the volume and nature of complaints and recalls warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Tesla Model X receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Tesla Model X

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Tesla Model X:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Suspension Failure
Multiple reports indicate suspension components failing, including control arms and half-shafts, leading to loss of control, vibrations, and loud noises. Some instances resulted in wheel detachment.
High Common 20000-70000 miles
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Several owners reported instances of the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly without driver input, sometimes leading to collisions.
High Occasional 10000-50000 miles
Phantom Braking
Frequent and unexpected hard braking events, even in clear driving conditions, have been reported, creating significant safety hazards.
High Common 10000-60000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Complaints include instrument cluster going dark, HV battery issues leading to loss of motive power, and seat sensor malfunctions affecting airbag deployment.
Medium Common 20000-70000 miles
Tire Inner Wear
Accelerated inner tire wear due to alignment issues (camber/toe) leading to premature tire failure.
Medium Common 15000-50000 miles
Steering System Issues
Reports of abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel, vibrations, and potential loss of power steering assist.
High Occasional 30000-80000 miles
Half-Shaft Failure
Repeated failures of front half-shafts due to extreme angles of operation, leading to vibrations and potential high-speed failure.
High Common 20000-60000 miles
Adas Software Glitches
Issues with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Beta software, including phantom braking, 'rolling stop' functionality, and potential for unintended engagement.
Medium Common 10000-70000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Tesla Model X:

Suspension 18% of complaints

The suspension system is the most frequently cited component in complaints, with issues ranging from noise and vibration to complete failure of components like control arms and half-shafts.

Unknown Or Other 11% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, suggesting a wide range of less frequent issues or difficulties in precise categorization.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Electrical system problems are common, including issues with the instrument cluster, HV battery, and various warning messages that can lead to loss of power.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

Complaints related to forward collision avoidance include phantom braking and potential false activations of the automatic emergency braking system.

Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance 5% of complaints

This combined category points to issues where braking systems, particularly in conjunction with forward collision avoidance, are malfunctioning.

Structure 5% of complaints

Structural complaints may relate to the vehicle's body or frame, potentially linked to suspension failures or other impact-related issues.

Electrical System,Structure 4% of complaints

A combination of electrical and structural issues suggests complex problems that may affect multiple vehicle systems.

Wheels 2% of complaints

Wheel-related complaints could be linked to suspension issues or tire wear problems.

Vehicle Speed Control 2% of complaints

Issues with vehicle speed control are concerning and may relate to unintended acceleration or problems with cruise control systems.

Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance 2% of complaints

This combination highlights potential conflicts or malfunctions between speed control and forward collision avoidance systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Tesla Model X

Is the 2019 Tesla Model X safe?

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Tesla Model X has a significant number of complaints related to critical safety systems like suspension, braking, and electrical components. There are also 8 recalls affecting various safety features. While no deaths are reported, the number of crashes and injuries warrants caution.

What are common problems with the 2019 Tesla Model X?

The most reported issues include suspension failures, sudden unintended acceleration, phantom braking, electrical system malfunctions (like instrument cluster failure and loss of power), and accelerated inner tire wear due to alignment issues.

What safety systems are affected by recalls on the 2019 Tesla Model X?

Recalls have addressed seat belt warning systems, instrument cluster display readability, ADAS/autonomous driving software, electric power steering assist, and rearview camera functionality.

How does the 2019 Tesla Model X perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided specific overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings for the 2019 Tesla Model X.

Are there known issues with Tesla's Autopilot or FSD on the 2019 Model X?

Yes, there are multiple recalls and complaints related to the ADAS and FSD software, including issues with 'rolling stops,' phantom braking, and potential for unintended engagement or unpredictable behavior.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Consider the high number of recalls and frequent complaints regarding suspension and electrical systems. Thorough pre-purchase inspection and understanding of potential repair costs are highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Tesla Model X

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Tesla Model X. The data includes 83 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.