Tesla Model X review - Reliability and Safety

The Tesla Model X is based on the Model S, which stormed to overall victory in our 2016 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey – so it’s likely to be a very good car to own. The Model S won seven categories in that poll, with owners particularly impressed by its in-car tech and running costs. However, neither the brand nor the Model X featured in our 2019 surveys.

As the Model X is still so new, there’s not much to go on in determining its longer-term reliability. Owners have been pleased with their Model S cars so far, but build quality issues for the Model X were reported ahead of its launch. This could mean the SUV isn’t as dependable. There was a large price drop in 2019 which upset existing owners as their Tesla's lost significant value immediately. 

Safety kit includes side collision avoidance tech, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and parking sensors. There’s also ISOFIX child seat mounting points inside for car seats. Tesla also includes Autopilot software with the car, which helps drive the car on motorways for you.

The Tesla Model X was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and it was awarded a full five-star rating. As well as a notable 98% score for adult occupant protection, it scored an impressive 94% for its driver assist safety systems. The individual scores for child occupant and pedestrian protection were 81% and 72% respectively.

Warranty

While the 8-year, infinite mileage warranty for the Model X’s battery and drive unit is reassuring, the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty on the rest of the car is disappointing. Many drivers will cover that mileage in four years, leaving them with a car out of warranty that most garages around the country can’t repair. They may end up paying high prices at Tesla dealers, but that said, Tesla claims to run its service centres at cost, and not for profit.