How Reliable Is A 2021 Tesla Model X?

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A achromatic Tesla Model X moving swiftly connected nan highway

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Back during its motorboat successful 2016, we referred to nan Tesla Model X arsenic being "the champion committedness of a early we could dream for." Unfortunately, CEO Elon Musk has nary plans to widen nan Model X's legacy, arsenic Tesla is axing it in mid-2026. This makes nan Model X a basking commodity successful nan utilized EV market. It helps that the 2021 type sewage stellar ratings from owners on Kelley Blue Book, pinch capacity and reliability achieving scores of 4.8 and 4.7 retired of 5 stars, respectively. 83% of owners rated it 5 stars, and 85% gave it a affirmative recommendation.

Keep successful mind that prices for utilized Tesla cars person precocious stabilized aft seemingly falling disconnected a cliff successful early 2025. None were much affected by that disturbing inclination than nan Model X and Model S, which saw residual values driblet complete $50,000 successful nan first 5 years. Still, nan buying marketplace has since recovered from Elon Musk's far-right governmental views, with Tesla accounting for astir 50% of utilized EV income successful May 2025.

The downslide and upswing person further accrued nan value disparity of a utilized Tesla Model X. Some spell for arsenic debased arsenic $18,300 while others emergence arsenic precocious arsenic $73,000, depending connected year, model, mileage, artillery capacity, and truthful on. The 2021 exemplary twelvemonth is nan saccharine spot for a utilized Model X, pinch pricing ranging from $27,000 to $37,000. But contempt its respectable secondhand value and favorable reviews, Consumer Reports rated nan 2021 Model X to beryllium overmuch little reliable than different EVs of nan aforesaid exemplary year, giving it an exceptionally mediocre rating.

The NHTSA recalled nan 2021 Tesla Model X 23 times

A achromatic Tesla Model X pinch unfastened falcon helping doors

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Consumer Reports' deficiency of enthusiasm comes from nan 23 recalls issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that interest nan 2021 Model X. These travel courtesy of package faults, powerfulness steering issues, bugs successful its afloat self-driving system, aerial container problems, and — astir precocious — a faulty pad that prevents nan driver from engaging nan horn. NHTSA has besides logged aggregate personification complaints that chiefly interest steering faults, inoperative latches and linkages, electrical issues, and suspension problems. 

Despite this, nan 2021 Tesla Model X has a five-star NHTSA information rating. It aced nan beforehand and broadside clang tests while getting nan highest marks successful rollover guidance testing. It also has a four-year/50,000-mile basal warranty, though that intends a utilized illustration bought successful 2026 will astir apt beryllium retired of coverage. However, nan electrical drivetrain and EV artillery warranties will screen up to 8 years aliases 150,000 miles, and this should supply immoderate bid of mind for imaginable buyers. All successful all, nan 2021 Model X really has immoderate rather mixed reliability. But long-time owners and exceptional information ratings work together that it tin still clasp up good successful nan end.

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