2016 Tesla Model X · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 25owner reports
- 31,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jan 31, 2025 · checked Oct 2, 2026
89 of the 448 complaints on this car are about the windshield and wipers. 25 of those describe windshield.
Tick what matches of 25 reports
Windshield on other Model X years
No other Model X model year has enough reports of windshield for a sheet of its own. See every Model X year.
What this problem usually is
Many windshield complaints are about cracks owners can't explain: a line that starts at the edge of the glass, or a small chip that spreads. Nearly one in five of these complaints mentions it happening again or a second windshield.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the windshield (25 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the windshield and wipers cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces may be adhered to the vehicle without primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle.
The front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have been adhered to the vehicle without first using primer. As a result, one or both pieces of trim may separate from the vehicle while moving.
All 12 recalls on the 2016 Tesla Model X, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 8,000 and 55,850 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Tesla Model X that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some Model X vehicles are equipped with front door outer belt seals that apply excess pressure to the front door glass, potentially causing excess noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH), slow door glass movement, and/or unintended activation of door glass ...
THE SEALS ON THE FRONT DOOR FIXED GLASS MIGHT HAVE INADEQUATE ANTI-WEAR COATING, LEADING TO PREMATURE WEAR. A WORN SEAL MIGHT SQUEAK WHEN THE DOOR GLASS IS MOVING OR RESULT IN EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE.
What owners wrote
“Was heading home from SoCal. Started charging the car at Kettleman... Opened the falcon doors to let the kids out and CRUNCH!!! 3 glass panels started cracking. All 3 panels are cracked and broken just by opening the doors. [XXX]. Nothing was on top blocking anything... no twigs, no debris... nothing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Apr 29, 2024
“While I was driving , the center glass panel between the two falcon door flew off . There is a recall that was issued for this exact issue and Tesla said they inspected and no further action was taken. I am grateful that no person or person were injured as I was driving 65-70 mph on a highway . Tesla is refusing to pay for the repair and associated damages to the passenger rear roof window that occurred .”
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 150 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 100 reports