MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Tesla Model X 6-Seat

NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model X 6-Seat model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model X 6-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 MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The Tesla Model X is a full-size, all-electric SUV aimed at tech-forward families who want premium space and cutting-edge driver-assistance features without sacrificing performance. The 6-seat configuration targets buyers who want a more open, lounge-style second row. It competes in the upper tier of the luxury electric SUV segment, where safety reputation carries significant weight alongside range and technology.

The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 98 out of 100, placing it firmly in our Exceptional band. That score is anchored by a perfect 5-star sweep across all three NHTSA crash-test categories: frontal, side, and rollover. A full-size SUV earning five stars on rollover protection is notable, given how body-on-frame geometry and high center of gravity can drag that score down for competitors. Tesla's low-mounted battery pack keeps the center of gravity unusually low for a vehicle of this size, and that physics advantage shows up directly in the data. On the recall front, the 2021 model year carries zero recorded recalls across our coverage window, which is a clean sheet that few vehicles in any segment can match. Owner complaints total 39 across covered years, with 3 crash-related allegations, 2 injury allegations, 0 fire reports, and 0 death reports. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, and the volume is modest for a vehicle with this level of market presence. The honest bottom line: the 2021 Model X 6-Seat presents one of the stronger safety profiles we have reviewed in the luxury electric SUV space. The crash-test results are as good as NHTSA's scale allows, the recall record is spotless for this year, and complaint volume is low. Shoppers prioritizing crash protection and regulatory safety performance will find the data genuinely reassuring here.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Model X for its impressive acceleration, spacious and distinctive interior, and advanced driver-assistance technology. Most note that the falcon-wing rear doors are a polarizing design choice that adds flair but can feel impractical in tight spaces. Range and charging infrastructure typically receive positive marks, while some reviewers flag software complexity and fit-and-finish consistency as areas worth scrutinizing before purchase.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat earned a perfect 5-star NHTSA rating in every tested category, frontal, side, and rollover, making it one of the highest-rated large SUVs in federal crash testing.
  • This model year carries zero NHTSA recalls in our coverage window, a clean safety record that is uncommon for vehicles in a rapidly evolving electric platform segment.
  • Owner complaints total 39, including 3 crash allegations and 2 injury allegations. These are unverified and relatively low in volume, but shoppers should review the specific complaint descriptions on NHTSA's database before buying.
  • The 6-seat configuration removes the standard second-row bench in favor of two individual captain's chairs, which changes interior geometry. Shoppers with large families should confirm that the seating layout meets their practical needs before prioritizing the safety data alone.

BY YEARModel X 6-Seat by model year