MODEL
Tesla Model X 5-Seat
NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model X 5-Seat model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model X 5-Seat we cover (2021 to 2021), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2021 at 98 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Tesla Model X is a full-size all-electric SUV aimed at tech-forward families who want serious cargo and passenger capacity without sacrificing performance. The 5-seat configuration strips away the third row for a more open, practical cabin. It competes at the premium end of the electric SUV market, drawing buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology alongside everyday versatility.
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat earns one of the strongest safety profiles we have reviewed at MotorCaliber. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100 places it firmly in our Exceptional band, and the underlying crash-test scores back that up without reservation. The 2021 model achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars across all three NHTSA categories - frontal, side, and rollover - a sweep that only a handful of vehicles manage in any given model year. For an SUV with a relatively high center of gravity, a perfect rollover rating is particularly meaningful and reflects the structural and stability advantages that come with a low, floor-mounted battery pack. On the recall front, the 2021 model year carries zero recalls in our covered data, which is a clean record worth noting even if it reflects a single snapshot in time. Owner complaints across covered years total 39, with 3 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries among them. These are unverified allegations, and the numbers are modest relative to the vehicle's sales volume, but shoppers should monitor the NHTSA complaint database for any emerging patterns as the fleet ages. The bottom line is straightforward: the 2021 Model X 5-Seat is one of the safest SUVs in federal crash testing, full stop. The complaint picture is quiet for now, and the recall slate is clean.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Model X for its impressive real-world performance, spacious and minimalist interior, and advanced driver-assistance technology. Most acknowledge that the Falcon Wing rear doors are a distinctive but polarizing feature. Reviewers tend to note that the ownership experience is closely tied to the Tesla ecosystem, which draws strong opinions in both directions.
- The 2021 Model X 5-Seat earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category - frontal, side, and rollover - placing it among the top performers in the full-size electric SUV segment.
- Its NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100 puts it in the Exceptional band, meaning it outperforms the vast majority of vehicles evaluated under the same federal methodology.
- There are zero recalls recorded for the 2021 model year in our covered data, which is a clean starting point, though shoppers should continue checking NHTSA's database as the vehicle ages and software-related issues can sometimes surface later.
- Owner complaints across covered years total 39, including 3 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries - all unverified allegations. The numbers are relatively low, but any shopper should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's site before purchasing a used example.