EVs had often been ignored in the past. Tesla brought them back into the mainstream and took the car market by storm when they released the Roadster. Electric cars are not a new thing, of course, but these guys redefined the benchmark and set it up pretty high. With three technologies- computer software, a good battery, and a proprietary motor at the core, Tesla changed the world.

The model X is the third all-electric car and the first midsized luxury SUV from the brand. It retails at the estimated starting MSRP of $85,000 for the latest models. Built on a full-sized car chassis, it shares 30% of the frame with the model S which is why some people call it a crossover. Only available now in Long Range and Performance variants, the MX delivers outstanding range. From the outside, Tesla X looks intimidating with falcon winged doors swung open in their full glory but how are they from behind the steering wheel? Are they reliable?

Teslas are not famous for their reliability but people don't realize that they are a fairly new company. They are still figuring it out and yet, they always manage to fix their mistakes faster than any other automaker out there. Scroll down to find out how reliable a Tesla Model X is.

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Common Issues And Repairs

Tesla Model X
via Bulletproof Auto Spa

The Model X is a great performing family car and is one of the fastest out there. No other EVs come close to it in terms of blazing-fast acceleration, monstrous speed, tons of space, and innovative tech features. Keeping in line with the older models, the most common issues reported in the MX are related to its quality, reliability, and build. Design flaws like uneven and misaligned panel gaps, error-prone falcon winged doors, and uncomfortable third-row seats, etc. are the major issues. However, we shall concentrate on the reliability problems here. Apart from small in-car issues like navigation system freezing, sensor failure, several serious issues have also been reported over the years.

The topmost severe problem owners complained about on Car Complaints, was sudden and violent acceleration and unintended throttle resulting in accidents. Several buyers have reported cracked or damaged frames, botched up paint, faulty falcon doors, body integrity, improperly sealed windows and brake failures, etc. To be honest, brakes have never been a strong point of Tesla. The company's own message board Tesla Forum has more than just a few reviews highlighting build and quality issues upon delivery. Most of these problems are not very frequent, but they are pretty expensive and some take an insane amount of time to repair.

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Reliability Rating By Experts

Tesla Model X Elon Musk Showcase
via: Fortune

Consumer Reports rated the 2017 Tesla X as one of the least reliable cars of the year. In fact, their survey placed the model below the cars like Jaguar F-Pace or GMC Acadia on their reliable cars list. However, Tesla said in their defense that CR tests are a bit outdated for their company since they keep modifying their cars via on-air updates throughout the year. CR seemed to bump up the car on their reliability list in 2019 but that was short-lived. In 2020, Consumer Reports again called out the car for being too showy and less practical. They gave it a reliability rating of one out of 5 pointing out the complexity, body integrity, in-car electronic problems, body hardware issues, paint, and trim, etc. CR said that the unconventional futuristic company has gone too far this time while trying to break the mold of normality, only to fail to do so. The 2020 JD Power IQS ranked Tesla at the last place in reliability. However, an important thing to note is that all of these tests are majorly focused and built around ICE vehicles. Hence, it's really difficult to gauge how much of their results are accurate for an extremely unique EV like Tesla.

While the model X did not make it to the favorite reliable cars' list of the experts, owners have mixed opinions. Brand loyalists gravitate towards the positives and swear by MX. On the other hand, a segment of consumers which includes both first time and existing buyers are unsure, with good reason. Tesla X is hands down a brilliant EV with great features, self-drive and fun rides, but it’s not dependable. To make things worse, the customer service is terrible. It is difficult to get hold of the service guys in some states and when you do, it takes forever to repair or replace parts. Some places seem to have better service centers than the others though, but inconsistency isn't quality.

Even though the model X is a great option in luxury SUVs, it is a classic case of hit and miss. Going by the consumers' feedback, X is reliable but it will give you maximum delight if you have an extended warranty and use it as a daily driver for not more than 40-50 miles a day.

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