NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat achieved a perfect sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories. This strong performance, combined with zero recalls on file and full marks for its avoidance technology, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100, ranking it in the Exceptional band.
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat received a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat achieved an exceptional Safety Index of 98 out of 100. This score reflects a perfect 70 points in crash protection, with the vehicle earning 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA NCAP category. Its rollover risk is 9 percent, with a No Tip dynamic result. The Model X 5-Seat also secured a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard. The only deduction from a perfect score occurs in the defect record component, which registers 18 out of 20 points. This is not due to recalls, as there are zero on file. Instead, the deduction likely stems from the 39 unverified owner complaints. The Steering category accounts for the highest number of these, with 12 reports. Five complaints specifically concern Forward Collision Avoidance, a detail to note despite the otherwise perfect avoidance-tech score. Unverified allegations include 3 crashes and 2 injuries.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat achieved a clean sweep in its federal safety ratings. It earned 5 out of 5 stars in every category tested by NHTSA: overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. This consistent performance across all assessments is notable. The rollover risk, specifically, was assessed at 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15899
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat have any recalls?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No recall components are recorded, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is associated with this model year. That clean record contributes directly to the 18 out of 20 defect-record score within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat?
NHTSA has logged 39 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering with 12 reports, followed by Electrical System and Suspension with 6 each, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 5. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat?
A VIN check through NHTSA's recall database remains a prudent step for shoppers considering this 5-year-old vehicle. While no open recalls are currently on file, confirming no new campaigns have been issued since the data snapshot and verifying the completion of any future recall remedy is advised before purchase.
- The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat is one of the few SUVs in this dataset to score a perfect 70 out of 70 in crash protection, backed by 5-star NHTSA results in every tested category including a 9 percent rollover risk and No Tip result.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this specific model year, a distinction that directly supports its 18 out of 20 defect-record score and contributes to the overall 98 out of 100 Safety Index.
- Unverified owner complaints total 39, with Steering the most frequently alleged category at 12 reports. Five additional complaints specifically target Forward Collision Avoidance systems, which is worth monitoring given that the system is otherwise rated standard equipment.
- No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, so the 98 out of 100 Exceptional rating represents a standalone benchmark for this model year rather than a measured improvement or decline.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat places
The 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat safety questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2021 Buick Envision | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15899), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model X 5-Seat 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 1 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.