Tesla Model X Phase 1 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Tesla Model X Phase 1 is available with 4 engine variants — from 333 to 772 hp.
Dual-motor AWD in a heavy SUV format. Drive units largely shared with the sedan and correspondingly mature; the main focus is the special body mechanics: rear falcon-wing doors (sensors, seals, pinch protection) and the powered front doors are the most frequent workshop topics. Air suspension and control arms age noticeably under the high weight.
No known weaknesses documented.
Dual-motor AWD in a heavy SUV format. Drive units largely shared with the sedan and correspondingly mature; the main focus is the special body mechanics: rear falcon-wing doors (sensors, seals, pinch protection) and the powered front doors are the most frequent workshop topics. Air suspension and control arms age noticeably under the high weight.
No known weaknesses documented.
Performance variant of the SUV all-wheel drive with Ludicrous option. Drivetrain topics as with the dual motor, intensified by weight and power: tires, brakes and suspension components wear quickly. The falcon-wing door and build-quality topics of the series apply unchanged.
No known weaknesses documented.
Performance variant of the SUV all-wheel drive with Ludicrous option. Drivetrain topics as with the dual motor, intensified by weight and power: tires, brakes and suspension components wear quickly. The falcon-wing door and build-quality topics of the series apply unchanged.
No known weaknesses documented.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Falcon doors won't open — entrapment risk Repeatedly documented: falcon doors stay shut despite override attempts, in one case trapping a child. Up to nine repair attempts without a lasting fix reported. Symptoms: Door stays locked, manual override needed | High | |
| Hood can fly open and strike the windshield The hood can open at highway speed and strike the windshield — forward view completely blocked. Related recall 24V554000: the sensor fails to reliably detect an unlatched hood. Symptoms: No hood warning despite an unlatched hood | Medium | |
| Falcon doors: sensors report phantom obstacles The falcon-door ultrasonic sensors falsely report obstacles in heat or sun and block opening/closing — often across several service visits. Symptoms: Door stops with 'obstacle detected' though nothing is in the way | Medium | |
| Powered front doors: uncontrolled opening The powered front doors occasionally open uncontrolled and with force — striking hazard for bystanders; opening while driving has also been reported. Symptoms: Door swings open unexpectedly, opens while driving | Medium |
Alternatives
Audi e-tron GE
Full-Size SUV (2018–2025)
Audi Q8 4M
Full-Size SUV (2018–2024)
BMW X5 G05
Full-Size SUV (2018–2026)
Buick Enclave C1XX
Full-Size SUV (2018–2024)
Chevrolet Traverse C1XX
Full-Size SUV (2018–2023)
Ford Expedition 4th Gen
Full-Size SUV (2018–2024)
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model X Phase 1 (2015–2020). Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Other.
What to watch out for with the Tesla Model X? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Tesla Model X Phase 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla Model X Phase 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Tesla Model X Phase 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Tesla Model X Phase 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Tesla Model X Phase 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee