NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-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 6-Seat achieved a perfect rating in every NHTSA crash-test category, a rare distinction. This flawless performance, coupled with a complete absence of recalls, underscores its exceptional safety profile. The model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100, placing it firmly in our "Exceptional" band. Its consistent strength across all federal metrics establishes it as a benchmark for occupant protection.
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal 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 6-Seat ranks 2 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 | 2 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat is the first model year for which MotorCaliber holds an Index score, so no year-over-year movement can be calculated - the 98/100 Exceptional rating stands on its own merits without a prior benchmark to compare against. What makes this year distinctive is how the Index is built: a maximum 70 out of 70 in crash protection reflects the clean NHTSA NCAP sweep, a perfect 10 out of 10 in crash-avoidance technology reflects forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment, and an 18 out of 20 in defect record reflects the zero-recall status paired with the 39 unverified complaints on file. That two-point deduction in the defect record subcategory is the only gap between this vehicle and a perfect score, and it traces directly to the complaint volume rather than to any confirmed recall action. The 39 reported complaints skew toward steering and electrical system allegations, categories worth monitoring as this vehicle ages into the used market. The rollover risk of 9 percent with a No Tip dynamic result adds further depth to the crash-protection picture. Taken together, the 2021 model year presents a rare combination of a spotless recall record and a top-to-bottom NCAP performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat achieved a 5-star rating in every category assessed by the NHTSA: overall crash protection, frontal impact, and side impact. Its rollover risk was determined to be 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result. No weak or unrated categories detract from its crash-test performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15900
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 6-Seat have any recalls?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No recall components are on record for this model year, and there is no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory associated with it. That absence of any federal recall action is a meaningful data point for this specific year.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat?
NHTSA has logged 39 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering (12 reports), Unknown or Other (8), Electrical System (6), Suspension (6), Lane Departure (5), and Forward Collision Avoidance (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed 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 6-Seat?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to confirm that the current zero-recall status has not changed and that no new campaigns have been issued since the vehicle was originally sold. Verify that all safety-system software is current.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat, making this one of the cleaner defect records in the 2021 model year cohort.
- NHTSA awarded this specific configuration a perfect 5-star result in every crash-test category including frontal, side, and rollover, with a measured rollover risk of 9 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The defect record subcategory scored 18 out of 20 in the Safety Index, a two-point gap driven by 39 unverified owner complaints - with Steering (12 reports) and Electrical System (6 reports) as the most frequently alleged problem areas.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber - forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control - were standard equipment on this model year, contributing a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance tech subcategory.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat places
The 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat safety questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-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 6-Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-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 6-Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-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 6-Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 6-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 5-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 15900), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model X 6-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 2 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.