2016 Tesla Model X Electrical Problems

I own a 2016 Tesla Model X P100D equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/fire risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have not yet experienced total failure, but the defect is known to be inevitable. I am proactively monitoring encoder sensors. Because this is a systemic design defect affecting thousands of vehicles with clear safety implications, I request NHTSA open an investigation and require Tesla to issue a recall for free repairs/replacements on all affected 2012–2020 LDU vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11735432

Incident

May 1, 2026

Coolant heater failure resulting in no regenerative braking .

NHTSA ID

11726854

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

The contact owned a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15 MPH from a traffic light, the vehicle was T-boned by another vehicle attempting to run the red light. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into the driver’s side front fender panel of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s door was not impacted in the crash. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as needed. However, the contact’s wife was stuck in the vehicle, and unable to exit the vehicle because the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost all electrical functions, causing the doors to remain closed. The contact stated that his wife was unable to move over to the passenger’s side front or rear to exit the vehicle. The contact stated that some pedestrians nearby were able to unlock the door from outside for his wife to exit the vehicle. The contact was concerned that his wife could have been killed if the vehicle had caught on fire or there was some other form of an emergency. The contact stated that his wife sustained a knee injury. Medical attention was not needed at the scene; however, the contact’s wife had since started receiving physical therapy for pain in her knee. The contact was unsure if the other driver had sustained any injuries. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11652101

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

Hi, My steering wheel turning very hard even though NHTSA issued the the recall last month but your website says your vehicle is not on recall. Also my rear camara is working still Tesla said needs to be replace again even though Tesla replace in 2023 which is I paid. My autonomy is not working even though I paid $8000 plus $500 tax when I purchase my model X in 2016 for full self driving/ Tesla doesn't want to honor this to us. Hopefully NHTSA put my vehicle in recall list. Thanks for you help. Best regards

NHTSA ID

11648176

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple follow-up appointments and additional repairs, the problem was never resolved.

NHTSA ID

11632757

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I was informed that mismatched tires and front-end components were contributing to the problem, and repairs were completed. However, the original issue persisted. Subsequent visits for additional repairs also failed to resolve the problem, and new safety concerns emerged. Complicating matters, the Richmond Service Center has since closed, and its staff were terminated. When I contacted the Westchase Service Center, Manager Andrea P. informed me that no resolution or agreement could be reached. I have attached the following invoices for your review: Invoice #[XXX], dated April 26, 2024 Invoice #[XXX], dated November 9, 2023 I am requesting the following: A full review of my service history and unresolved issues. Immediate repairs to address motor and safety concerns at no additional cost. A clear explanation of Tesla’s policies regarding unresolved repairs, especially with closed service centers. This situation has caused financial and personal hardship. I urge Tesla to address these issues promptly to restore my confidence in your brand. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632748

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

THERE IS A LEAKING GLUE LIKE SUBSTANCE COMING FROM THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS ALL SAFETY COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS HEALTH AND ENVIORMENTAL CONCERNS.

NHTSA ID

11630304

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle will inadvertently accelerate causing the contact to depress the brake pedal to avoid a collision. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11593071

Incident

Jun 7, 2024

Mileage

113,000 mi

The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11571745

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

The car front passenger side door open while driving and does not close and the car sting in Babson College campus as my daughter cannot close door, cannot drive and Tesla service does not give repair date before two weeks and no one else knows can repair this part . This is third time in 3 months we are having problem and after spending over 3000$ in less than 3 months with full inspection down by Tesla . The service people are rude and does not care for student safety as well. Such a shame

NHTSA ID

11570179

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

MCU1 onboard computer system becomes overloaded with data that eventually and periodically causes the computer system to "crash" and requires a reboot, even with 8 GB eMMC replacement having already been installed. This means that vehicles with MCU1 (generally model S and X manufactured pre-2019) are increasingly becoming safety risks on the road because the MCU1 system crash can occur at any time, even while driving (not just when the car is going through it's start-up cycle). Whenever this occurs, it means the driver is unable to change the headlights which is especially harmful during dawn and dusk hours since these models do not have daytime running headlights. Drivers may be unable to use turn signals, unlock power doors (the Model X has power-driven doors on all sides) and advanced systems may be inoperable during the MCU1 rebooting process. This issue can be resolved by replacing the MCU1 operating system with the MCU2 operating system, but Tesla requires MCU1 owners with Auto Pilot Computer version 1.0 to pay $1,750 for what they are calling an "infotainment upgrade." This is disingenuous terminology used by Tesla because the MCU1 operating system is not just for "infotainment" - it is beyond that and includes significant safety features as mentioned above (headlights, doors, locks, windows, ADAS, and more). Tesla needs to cover the cost of replacing MCU1 with MCU2 or a new system that is stable and does not experience frequent data crashes. In other words, there must be a fix beyond the 8GB eMMC "band aid" that has not resolved the chronic failure of MCU1 systems. This is a continuing safety issue and driving hazard for all Tesla owners with MCU1 until a recall is issued.

NHTSA ID

11523874

Incident

May 17, 2023

My 2016 model X has been experiencing front passenger and rear passenger safety restraint system faults off and on since we purchased the vehicle in 2019. This notification requires service and the Tesla service center has done a mixture of hardware checks, replacement of parts and keeps blaming the issues on a firmware update that will eventually happen in the future. Tesla says that when the system is tripped the airbags may not deploy and to schedule service when it happens. Because the vehicle is under a used warranty they refuse to address this as a recall or possibly defect.

NHTSA ID

11513115

Incident

Mar 20, 2023

We have received a recall of eMMC flash memory unit since Feb, 2021. Tesla has not provided recall. When we tried to schedule an appointment for recall via Tesla APP, pop up message continues to be "do not schedule appointment.

NHTSA ID

11508156

Incident

Feb 5, 2021

I am reporting the cars main high voltage battery. The charging speed has slowed significantly similarly to my other Tesla which is a model S and that car's battery was replaced after the warranty expired due to unsafe circumstances where the car would not start. I'm starting to see similar signs and since this is an early model of the Model X, the battery management system in utilizing the same older hardware. The car already reported a similar error regarding the high voltage battery and I'm hoping to get ahead of the problem by making this report.

NHTSA ID

11507738

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

The vehicle will lose turn signal sounds making it unclear whether turn signals are activated. Therefore the driver may expect that the signal is on when it is not, or take eyes off the road in order to perform a visual confirmation.

NHTSA ID

11494794

Incident

Nov 19, 2022

Center Screen is leaking toxic fluid after researching online seems to be a common problem for many including myself. The liquid is slowly coming out the bottom of the screen onto the center console.

NHTSA ID

11488719

Incident

Oct 10, 2022

The recall was issues on March 22, 2021. It has been nearly 18 months and Tesla has still not fixed the issue for which the recall was done (NHTSA Recall No. 21V-035). It takes time for the car to start every time while the instrument panel refreshes. I believe more than a reasonable amount of time has passed and this issue needs to be remediated by Tesla

NHTSA ID

11485041

Incident

Sep 4, 2000

The continued Tesla MCU problem. Got bad with system crashing and screens going blank, then finally got the Tesla eMCC memory fix and all was good the last year or so, then in the last several weeks. It occurred 4 times and I made a service appointment, tech cleared the drive and said all would be good. Two days later it occurred again. MCU crashed again Monday 30 May ~1202, started back up a couple minutes later then functional a minute after that.

NHTSA ID

11467366

Incident

May 30, 2022

The electrical components in our steering wheel have stopped working, disabling the horn. The horn itself can be deployed from the Tesla phone app (so I know the horn itself is not bad). Additionally, the control buttons on the steering wheel no longer work. A simple google search reveals that this is a widespread problem with Tesla vehicles. Not having a working mechanism to deploy the horn is a very serious safety issue --as the horn is intended to be used to warn careless drivers from coming into your lane, alert distracted pedestrians, etc. Despite seeing this failure across a wide array of its vehicles, Tesla is issuing 4-figure repair estimates --or at least that is what they did for me. Tesla should be required to replace its failing components as a matter of public safety. I can assure you that people will be injured and/or die because of Tesla's failure to act. Please feel free to call me if you would like to discuss. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11435662

Incident

May 1, 2021

All of the display in the front has started leaking with bubbles forming on center as well driver display. There was a recall for this issue that included 2016 model X but Tesla says that my vehicle was not included in the recall. I am not sure how did they selectively include or exclude cars from that recall.

NHTSA ID

11434115

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

I had my Tesla Model X MCU replaced per the recall. Prior to having the MCU replaced I had numerous (more than 20) episodes of the car just shutting down and losing all power and would not restart for anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes. Many times after the vehicle would restart the main control screen would remain black, there would be no access to any of the controls usually accessible there. Other times there would be no navigation, radio or HVAC available. When reporting these issues I was told to keep trying to reboot that it was a known software issue. When the recall was finally announced I checked frequently for appointments for a replacement chip which were not abundantly available. When I was finally able to get an appointment for the recall, the service center assured me that the replacement MCU would make things better but I also had the option to upgrade to a better chip for $2K but lose many options like FM and XM radio, which I use. Since the MCU replacement I have continued to have these same issues AND my phone will no longer pair with the vehicle to provide the hands free use I had previously. I have worked with Tesla to try to resolve these issues and I am told by their technicians that this is a known software issue that is happening to "older" Model S and Model X vehicles and there is no current projection as to when this will get resolved as it is on the back burner. My car is a 2016 with 40K miles! How is this OK? How is this not a safety issue? TODAY THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DARK/DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING!!! Luckily I was driving in a parking deck and there was no resulting accident. I have called Tesla customer service and messaged the local service center to report these issues multiple times. Even the corporate customer service rep has difficulty reaching them directly. It is so sad to have such a nice vehicle with issues like this. We have talked about trading it in but ethically cannot fathom passing these known issues on to someone else.

NHTSA ID

11428811

Incident

Aug 12, 2021

Tesla refusing to allow me to make a service appointment to rectify an open NHTSA recall. Said they’ll contact me when it’s available to be fixed. This was two months ago and still haven’t heard back from them on when I can have my recall fixed. Messaged and called the actual service center, no authorization to bring car in for repair. Recall information below

NHTSA ID

11427258

Incident

May 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the control panel which controls all the important functions inside the vehicle had malfunctioned. The contact performed a hard reset for the control panel to display and function as designed. The reset took approximately 3-5 minutes. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and an unknown repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. Consumer stated vehicle was repaired and $1,600+ was paid out of pocket but vehicle is still malfunctioning.*JB

NHTSA ID

11423952

Incident

Dec 29, 2016

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the gear shifter, windshield wipers, brakes, and accelerator pedals were the only manually operated functions within the vehicle, all of which work as designed. All other functions were operated by a central computer system which would simultaneously become inoperable. The failures lasted between three to five minutes. Additionally, the failure would occur while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idle. The computer would reboot itself and function as normal. There was no warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the issue was normal and would fix itself after an update. The contact stated that updates on the system would occur every few weeks to few months and several had already occurred however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls on the VIN. The repairs were no longer covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11417867

Incident

Mar 27, 2017

Mileage

30,000 mi

YELLOWING OF THE SCREEN AND THE SCREEN CLICKS IN MULTIPLE PLACES DURING A SINGLE CLICK OF A BUTTON - CAR WAS ON SOME KIND OF UV TREATMENT FOR 73 HOURS - NOT BETTER AT ALL - ALSO THE NAVIGATION UNIT RESETS ALL THE TIME SOMETIMES LEAVING YOU UNABLE TO ACTIVATE AIR CONDITIONER. TESLA TRIED TO PUSH ME TO BUY SOME AND OF UNIT UPDATE 2K - NOT ACCEPTABLE - THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION BUT THE SCREEN'. CAN YOU POINT ME OUT TO SOMEONE THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOLUTION OR ANY ACTIVE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SO I CAN JOIN IN

NHTSA ID

11405708

Incident

Mar 30, 2021