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2016 Tesla Model X Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals and open recall alerts for your 2016 Tesla Model X.

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How Tesla schedules service

Tesla vehicles have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to maintain. The schedule below is the entire factory-recommended service list. Tesla does not require dealer-stamped service intervals to maintain warranty — owners can service most items at home or at any qualified shop.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Campaign #17V639000 · 12/10/2017

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Model X vehicles. The left-side, second row, reclining seat backs may not fully latch due to having incorrectly adjusted recliner mechanism cables. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: If the seat back moves forward in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla service technicians will correct the cable adjustment for the left-side, fold-flat, second row, seat recliner mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-13-004.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #17V260000 · 19/04/2017

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.

Risk: If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Campaign #16V192000 · 06/04/2016

Issue: Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2016 Model X vehicles manufactured September 29, 2015, to March 30, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Risk: If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace all affected third row seats, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2016. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-844-248-3752 or by email at ServiceHelpNA@teslamotors.com. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-16-13-003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V037000 · 27/01/2022

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #21V035000 · 29/01/2021

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

Risk: The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #20V062000 · 05/02/2020

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Model X vehicles. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts with coated steel bolts, and add a corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign #20V710000 · 17/11/2020

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have been adhered to the vehicle without first using primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle while moving.

Risk: Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will test the roof trim adhesion, and, as necessary, apply primer, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-20-12-005. This recall has been superseded by Recall 24V615 (SB-24-12-008).

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Campaign #23V085000 · 15/02/2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign #23V838000 · 12/12/2023

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #24V051000 · 30/01/2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Campaign #24V376000 · 28/05/2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign #24V615000 · 15/08/2024

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. The front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces may be adhered to the vehicle without primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle.

Risk: Trim that separates from the vehicle during use can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla service will test the roof trim adhesion and reattach the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-008. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-710 will need to have the new inspection and remedy completed.

Recall data refreshed Jun 7, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 6,250 mi

Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32". Performance models (Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance) wear front tires faster — rotate at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🧪

Brake Fluid Test

On condition / lifetime

Test brake fluid for moisture every 2 years on Model 3/Y, every 4 years on Model S/X. Replace if moisture content exceeds the test threshold. Regenerative braking dramatically extends fluid life vs ICE vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

💨

Tire Pressure Check

Every 1,000 mi (monthly)

Check tire pressure monthly. Tesla's range estimates assume manufacturer-spec pressure; under-inflation costs 5-10% range and accelerates tire wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$15

Shop

~$10

DIY

Free

Free at any gas station. A $10 gauge pays for itself the first time you catch a slow leak.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

📐

Wheel Alignment Check

Every 12,500 mi

Check alignment at 12,500 miles or any time tire wear is uneven. Tesla's instant torque amplifies misalignment-driven tire wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$165

Shop

~$115

DIY

Pro only

Needs an alignment rack — not a DIY job. Most shops charge $80–$150 for a four-wheel.

❄️

A/C Desiccant Bag

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace A/C desiccant bag every 4 years. Model S (2021+) / Model X (2021+): every 6 years. Required to keep heat pump operating efficiently.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$290–$360

Shop

~$205–$255

DIY

Pro only

Refrigerant handling is EPA-regulated — shop-only. Often deferred unless AC performance drops.

🛑

Brake Caliper Service (cold climates)

Every 12,500 mi

Owners in cold-climate regions (snow, road salt) should clean and lubricate brake calipers every 12,500 miles or annually. Light brake use from regen lets caliper sliders seize.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$275–$330

Shop

~$195–$235

DIY

~$20–$60

Pin lube + boot inspection. Stuck calipers cause uneven pad wear — worth doing if you DIY the pads anyway.

🔋

12V Auxiliary Battery (legacy lead-acid)

On condition / lifetime

Pre-2021 Model 3, pre-2022 Model Y, and earlier Model S/X use a 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery — typical service life 3-4 years. Newer models use a 16V lithium-ion battery rated for the life of the vehicle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace every 2 years. Model S / Model X: replace every 3 years (HEPA filter, larger). Sooner in dusty climates or wildfire-prone regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

🦠

HEPA Filter (Model S / X with Bioweapon Defense Mode)

On condition / lifetime

Model S and Model X equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode use a HEPA filter — replace every 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$130–$210

Shop

~$95–$150

DIY

~$35–$90

HEPA-grade replacement; aftermarket is improving but selection is narrower than standard cabin filters.

🔌

High-Voltage Battery — No Service

On condition / lifetime

The high-voltage battery is sealed and has no scheduled maintenance. Tesla's 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery warranty covers capacity retention to 70%.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

Shop

DIY

Traction battery service varies dramatically by vehicle ($5k–$20k+). Get a quote — we won't pretend to know.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Tesla Model X.

7 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA
  • Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

    Action #AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The ma…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Sudden Unintended Acceleration

    Action #DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

  • FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

    Action #EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, w…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

    Action #PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that T…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

    Action #RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Note: NHTSA also opened 80 defect investigations on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jun 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jun 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Tesla Model X reflects Tesla's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.