NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Tesla Model X Safety Ratings
The 2023 Tesla Model X scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 17 recalls, and 189 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Tesla Model X achieved a perfect score in crash-avoidance technology, a significant factor in its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. This robust performance in active safety systems is complemented by a solid rollover resistance rating. However, the Model X's Safety Index is notably hampered by a weak defect record sub-score. This dichotomy demands a balanced assessment from consumers.
The 2023 Tesla Model X receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5 rollover star rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Tesla Model X ranks 93 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 17 |
| Owner complaints | 189 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 93 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Tesla Model X?
The 2023 Tesla Model X recorded a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, landing in the Strong band. This figure represents a two-point improvement over the 2022 model year's 80. While crash protection earned a perfect 70 out of 70 and crash-avoidance technology scored a full 10 out of 10, the defect record sub-score stands at just 2 out of a possible 20. This low defect score is the primary factor preventing the vehicle from reaching the highest safety tiers. The 17 recall campaigns issued for this model year underscore the defect pressure. Notable among these are two separate issues concerning airbags: an incorrect horn pad and a driver-side cushion susceptible to tearing during deployment. A hood latch recall was resolved via an over-the-air update, demonstrating Tesla's software-centric approach to some defect corrections. Owner complaints further detail this pattern, with 189 reports, 45 of which pertain to steering issues. The discrepancy between the Model X's strong performance in active safety and its extensive defect record defines the safety profile of this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Tesla Model X perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Tesla Model X has not received a full complement of crash-test ratings from NHTSA. While it achieves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for rollover protection, coupled with a low 9-percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result, key assessments for frontal and side impact protection are absent. These specific crashworthiness dimensions remain formally unscored, leaving critical safety aspects unconfirmed by federal data.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19948
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Tesla Model X have any recalls?
Yes, the 2023 Tesla Model X carries 17 recall campaigns. Key components addressed include back-over prevention software, air bag horn pad mismatches, a driver-side air bag cushion that could tear during deployment, and a hood latch assembly that may fail. One hood latch recall was addressed via an over-the-air software fix. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V283000
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Reported 2026-05-05
AIR BAGS25V172000
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Reported 2025-03-19
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V002000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall
Reported 2025-01-07
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION24V967000
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
Reported 2024-12-24
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH24V554000
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Reported 2024-07-24
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES24V376000
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Reported 2024-05-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V051000
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Reported 2024-01-30
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V035000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.
Reported 2024-01-22
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH23V862000
Risk: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.
Reported 2023-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE23V838000
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Reported 2023-12-12
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR23V743000
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Reported 2023-11-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23V679000
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-005.
Reported 2023-10-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA has received 189 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model X. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues leading at 90 reports, followed by Steering at 45, Electrical System at 21, Forward Collision Avoidance at 18, and Structure and Service Brakes each at 12. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
189 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Tesla Model X?
The 2023 Tesla Model X has 17 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, a factor any prospective owner must consider. Shoppers should verify which remedies have been completed on any specific VIN, particularly those addressing air bag and back-over prevention software, before purchase.
- The 2023 model year carries 17 NHTSA recall campaigns, including two distinct air bag concerns: an incorrect horn pad and a driver-side cushion that could tear during deployment.
- NHTSA has not assigned overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to this specific model year; only the rollover rating of 5 out of 5 stars is on record.
- The defect record sub-score of 2 out of 20 is the single factor most responsible for capping the Safety Index at 82, despite perfect sub-scores in crash protection and avoidance technology.
- Unverified owner complaints to NHTSA for this model year total 189, with steering allegations at 45 reports representing the largest single identified component category outside of the general unknown bucket.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Tesla Model X places
The 2023 Tesla Model X qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Tesla Model X safety questions
Was the 2023 Tesla Model X crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Tesla Model X, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Tesla Model X crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Tesla Model X earned 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 2023 Tesla Model X have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 17 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model X. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Tesla Model X?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 189 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model X. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Model X years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19948), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model X 2023.
- 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 93 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.