NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-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 7-Seat earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. A clean recall record and a perfect NHTSA NCAP sweep across all four test categories make this one of the strongest safety profiles in its class for this model year.
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat received a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA NCAP crash-test rating, based on 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 7-Seat ranks 3 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 | 3 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat stands out within its model year for an unusually complete safety performance: a 98/100 Safety Index in the Exceptional band, a full five-star sweep across all four NHTSA NCAP categories, and zero recall campaigns on file. The Index breakdown tells a precise story: crash protection earns a perfect 70 out of 70, avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record scores 18 out of 20, held just short of perfect by the complaint picture rather than by any recall. No prior-year Index is on file for comparison, so year-over-year movement cannot be calculated, but the 98 score stands on its own as a high-water mark. The 39 reported complaints, while unverified, cluster notably around Steering and the active-safety subsystems, Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance, which is worth noting given that this vehicle scored full marks on avoidance tech at the equipment level. Those allegations do not alter the Index but they are the one area where this model year's record is not spotless.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes the overall rating, as well as the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The vehicle demonstrated a 9 percent rollover risk with a No Tip result in the dynamic test, indicating strong performance. No categories returned weak ratings or were left unrated; the Model X completed a full sweep of the NCAP program with distinction.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15901
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 7-Seat have any recalls?
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. This clean defect record directly supports the 18 out of 20 points scored in the Index defect category.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat?
NHTSA has logged 39 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering at 12 reports, Unknown Or Other at 8, Electrical System at 6, Suspension at 6, Lane Departure at 5, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 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 7-Seat?
No recalls are currently on file for this vehicle, meaning there is no outstanding remedy to verify. However, shoppers considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool, as periodic VIN checks remain good practice for any used purchase to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since original sale.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a clean defect record that contributes directly to the 18/20 defect score in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA NCAP awarded this specific model year configuration a perfect 5 stars in all four categories, including a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance score.
- The 39 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year concentrate in Steering (12 reports) and active-safety subsystems (Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance combined for 10 reports), making those areas worth scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat places
The 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat safety questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-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 7-Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-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 7-Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-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 7-Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model X 7-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 6-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 15901), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model X 7-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 3 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.