# Tesla Model X (2021 on) buying guide

[Home](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/) › [Buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides) › Tesla Model X (2021 on)

> Markdown copy of https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-x for AI agents and assistants. Link and cite that URL, not this one.

Buying guide · 2021 on · Updated Oct 1, 2026

A used Model X Plaid carries 1,020 horsepower and a Supercharging history that can vanish with a salvage title, so the title, air suspension and Falcon Wing doors matter most.

**Median asking price: $63,147** (Across 245 live listings)

- Asking prices: $39,495 to $170,790, middle half $57k to $74k
- For sale: 245
- Lowest price: $39,495
- Model years: 2021 on
- Versions for sale: 1

## The Model X as a used buy

Check the title before anything else on a used Model X Plaid. A salvage title or insurance total loss can switch Supercharging off entirely, according to [tbx.report](https://tbx.report/used/2021-tesla-model-x).

This guide covers the 2021-on Model X, with its focus on the Plaid, which arrived for 2021 with three motors, 1,020 horsepower and a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time. The Long Range beside it has two motors and 670 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and the car has a 17-inch touchscreen and Falcon Wing rear doors. Towing tops out at 5,000 pounds.

Seating is five as standard, and the third row in the six- and seven-seat cars isn't roomy. [Yahoo Autos](https://autos.yahoo.com/ownership/articles/reliable-2021-tesla-model-x-190500857.html) reports that Tesla is ending the Model X in mid-2026. If you are still choosing a size, see our [Model X vs Model Y comparison](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/compare/tesla-model-x-vs-tesla-model-y), or the [Model S buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-s) for the sedan.

## Model X years and versions

The 2021 Model X came as the Long Range and the new Plaid. The Long Range has a 100-kWh battery and a 360-mile range, with 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Plaid is rated at 340 miles on 20-inch wheels, and [Kelley Blue Book](https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-x/2021/) says that falls to 300 miles on 22-inch wheels. Our [Model X Plaid market page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid) shows every one for sale, and the [Model X ranking among luxury SUVs](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/best/used-luxury-suvs) shows where it stands.

The 2021 car has no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Its media computer is an Intel Atom, where the redesigned car has an AMD Ryzen, so ask which you are looking at.

Driver-assist hardware is the bigger question. The 2021 car was built with Autopilot hardware 3.0 and ultrasonic parking sensors. Full Self-Driving was a $10,000 option when new, but tbx.report says it is now sold only as a subscription that ends with the seller, so pay nothing extra for a car that claims to have it. Tesla said in April 2026 that Hardware 3 cannot run unsupervised FSD, and had published no upgrade or trade-in prices or dates as of October 2026. A cut-down FSD v14 Lite has been going to these cars since July 2026.

By year, [rerev.com](https://rerev.com/years-to-avoid/vehicles/tesla-model-x/) rates the 2021 as OK/Mixed, 2022 as the best second-generation year and 2023 as the worst. [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-x/2021/reliability/) rates the 2021 much less reliable than other cars of its model year, while Yahoo Autos cites an owner score of 4.7 out of five stars. Those two readings point opposite ways, and the sources don't reconcile them.

## Model X versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Model X Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid) | 2022-2026 | 245 | $63,147 |

## Common Model X problems

### Air suspension failure

The compressor and struts can fail, and the car drops while parked or fails to raise. Carlyle puts failure at 50,000 to 90,000 miles and the bill at $1,500 to $3,500, while rerev.com quotes $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the problem.

### Falcon Wing door faults

Doors can fail to close flush, squeak, rattle, falsely detect obstacles and leak around the seals. Misaligned doors can also hint at an earlier collision.

### High-voltage battery wear

The battery can degrade or fail at 100,000 to 200,000 miles, and Carlyle puts the fix at $15,000 to $25,000. The battery and drive unit warranty runs 8 years or 150,000 miles, with at least 70% capacity retained.

### Touchscreen replacement

A new screen costs $1,000 to $2,000, says rerev.com. Separately, recall 22V296 covered 2021-2022 Model S and X where fast charging could overheat the infotainment computer, fixed by a free over-the-air update.

### Passenger air bag logic

Recall 22V843 covered 2021-2023 Model X cars whose front passenger air bag could deploy incorrectly in low-speed crashes. The fix was a free over-the-air update, so confirm it was applied.

## What to check on a used Model X

Start with software and history, then spend time on the doors and the suspension.

- Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup and see which campaigns are open, because recall work is free.
- Check the title history for a salvage brand or insurance total loss.
- Ask whether free Supercharging is present, since it ended with the first owner and a used car pays per use.
- Open Controls, Software, Additional Vehicle Information and look for CCS and third-party NACS DC fast charging support.
- Check Controls, Service, Battery Health, and if the reading is missing, compare full-charge range with the EPA figure from when the car was new.
- Operate every Falcon Wing door through a full open and close cycle, look for even gaps all round, and treat poor alignment as a possible sign of earlier collision damage.
- Park the car for a while, then watch whether the body sinks and whether it raises again.
- Ask for service records showing the brake service and tire rotation intervals were kept.
- Confirm which wheels are fitted, because the Plaid's rated range depends on them.
- Ask exactly how any Full Self-Driving on the car is attached, since the subscription ends with the seller.

## Model X running costs

Carlyle lists tire rotation every 6,250 miles and brake service every 12,500 miles or one year. The cabin air filter is due every three years, and brake fluid is tested every four. Battery and drive unit coolant needs no scheduled replacement. A typical year of maintenance runs $651 and five years $2,460, by Carlyle's figures.

Outside the schedule, Carlyle's estimates are $1,500 to $3,500 for air suspension and $15,000 to $25,000 for the high-voltage battery, and rerev.com adds $1,000 to $2,000 for a touchscreen. Check the car's age and mileage against the basic warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles. Our [Tesla Model X price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/tesla/model-x) shows what the market is doing.

## Model X recalls and complaints

NHTSA's records show 31 recall campaigns across the 2021 to 2027 Model X. Two concern air bags: a driver's air bag that could tear during deployment on 2021-2025 cars, and a wrong horn pad on 2021-2025 cars. Others involve front seat belts that may detach from the pretensioner anchors on 2021-2023 cars, a hood latch that may not detect an unlatched hood on 2021-2024 cars, and a rearview camera image that can be delayed or lost. Several have over-the-air fixes. A campaign filed for a model year doesn't mean every car of that year was affected, so check any car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup.

Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA, including 40 crashes, 4 fires and 18 injuries, with no deaths. The largest group is filed under unknown or other components, followed by steering with 109 and forward collision avoidance with 65. These are reports, not proven faults.

## NHTSA recalls for the Model X

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2021 to 2027 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 26V283000 | May 5, 2026 | 2021 to 2023 | Back over prevention | A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V172000 | Mar 20, 2025 | 2021 to 2025 | Air bags | An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V002000 | Jan 7, 2025 | 2023 to 2025 | Back over prevention | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V967000 | Dec 24, 2024 | 2021 to 2025 | Air bags | A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 24V904000 | Dec 2, 2024 | 2024 | Exterior lighting | Flickering headlights or parking lights may not suffciently illuminate the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V554000 | Jul 24, 2024 | 2021 to 2024 | Latches/locks/linkages | An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V376000 | May 28, 2024 | 2021 to 2024 | Seat belts | A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 24V153000 | Feb 27, 2024 | 2021 | Forward collision avoidance | Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V051000 | Jan 30, 2024 | 2021 to 2024 | Electrical system | 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. |
| 24V035000 | Jan 22, 2024 | 2023 | Back over prevention | A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. |
| 23V862000 | Dec 19, 2023 | 2022 to 2023 | Latches/locks/linkages | An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 23V838000 | Dec 12, 2023 | 2021 to 2023 | Electrical system | 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. |
| 23V743000 | Nov 3, 2023 | 2021 to 2024 | Steering | 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. |
| 23V679000 | Oct 11, 2023 | 2021 to 2023 | Electrical system | 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. |
| 23V488000 | Jul 14, 2023 | 2021 to 2023 | Seat belts | A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the Model X

Owners filed 416 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 to 2027 model years (40 crashes and 4 fires reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Unknown or other | 144 |
| Steering | 109 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 65 |
| Electrical system | 52 |
| Service brakes | 28 |
| Vehicle speed control | 27 |
| Structure | 26 |
| Suspension | 25 |

## Best Model X deals right now

61 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $11,926. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $59,008 · $11k below market · 41,839 mi · Austin, TX · deal score 100 of 100
- 2024 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $66,999 · $10k below market · 53,089 mi · Roswell, GA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $51,988 · $9k below market · 38,128 mi · Scottsdale, AZ · deal score 100 of 100
- 2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $57,000 · $8k below market · 57,153 mi · Marietta, GA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $48,900 · $8k below market · 55,154 mi · Philadelphia, PA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid: asking $52,074 · $8k below market · 42,409 mi · West Hempstead, NY · deal score 100 of 100

[Unlock all 61 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## Model X prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- [2026](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x/2026): $154,190 (25 for sale · $142,998 to $170,790 · median 7,388 mi)
- [2025](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x/2025): $110,743 (8 for sale · $68,887 to $120,494 · median 15,058 mi)
- [2024](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x/2024): $84,536 (18 for sale · $66,999 to $102,790 · median 29,368 mi)
- [2023](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x/2023): $69,207 (70 for sale · $52,190 to $81,990 · median 41,619 mi)
- [2022](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x/2022): $58,205 (124 for sale · $39,495 to $73,988 · median 44,648 mi)

[Model X price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/tesla/model-x)

## Model X fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Plaid | 2026 | $153,018 | 6,200 |
| Plaid | 2024 | $87,008 | 20,800 |
| Plaid | 2023 | $71,245 | 35,300 |
| Plaid | 2022 | $59,029 | 44,700 |

## Model X for sale now

- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $52,489 · 36,522 mi · Trooper, PA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $70,998 · 30,973 mi · Irvine, CA
- [2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $71,493 · 41,398 mi · Fort Myers, FL
- [2024 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $98,997 · 13,702 mi · Pompano Beach, FL
- [2024 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $100,224 · 40,442 mi · Dallas, TX
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $57,190 · 57,953 mi · Troutdale, OR
- [2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $65,995 · 57,113 mi · Orlando, FL
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $48,900 · 55,154 mi · Philadelphia, PA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $60,195 · 42,181 mi · Maitland, FL
- [2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $64,944 · 62,083 mi · San Antonio, TX
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $54,490 · 49,917 mi · Bountiful, UT
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $54,789 · 60,165 mi · Fishers, IN
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $64,873 · 28,740 mi · Los Angeles, CA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $49,733 · 78,562 mi · Norco, CA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $54,794 · 37,827 mi · Wall Township, NJ
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $55,990 · 61,175 mi · Vienna, VA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $62,145 · 34,002 mi · Portland, OR
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $62,753 · 36,554 mi · Elk Grove, CA
- [2024 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $75,615 · 35,961 mi · Plano, TX
- [2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $77,305 · 35,553 mi · Willowbrook, IL
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $57,190 · 56,100 mi · Troutdale, OR
- [2023 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $57,957 · 73,107 mi · Lawrenceville, GA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $59,978 · 47,936 mi · Madera, CA
- [2022 Tesla Model X, Plaid](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/tesla-model-x-plaid): $67,899 · 30,391 mi · Wilmington, NC

[Every used Model X](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x)

## Our verdict

Buy the Plaid whose Battery Health reading, or full-charge range against the EPA figure, shows the pack is holding up, because a failed battery is the $15,000 to $25,000 repair on this car. Pay nothing extra for claimed Full Self-Driving, and do not expect free Supercharging on a used one.

Walk away from any car with a salvage history, since Supercharging can be switched off on it for good. Browse [used Model X listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x) with that in mind, or widen the search with [used Teslas for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla).

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Buying a used 2021 Tesla Model X: what to check](https://tbx.report/used/2021-tesla-model-x) (tbx.report)
- [2021 Tesla Model X Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews](https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-x/2021/) (Kelley Blue Book)
- [2021 Tesla Model X maintenance schedule, recalls & known problems](https://carlyle.vin/maintenance/tesla/model-x/2021) (Carlyle)
- [Tesla Model X years to avoid](https://rerev.com/years-to-avoid/vehicles/tesla-model-x/) (rerev.com)
- [How Reliable Is A 2021 Tesla Model X?](https://autos.yahoo.com/ownership/articles/reliable-2021-tesla-model-x-190500857.html) (Yahoo Autos)
- [2021 Tesla Model X Reliability](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-x/2021/reliability/) (Consumer Reports)
- [2021 Tesla Model X Prices, Reviews, and Pictures](https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-x/2021/review/) (Edmunds)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the Model X](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the Model X

- [Used Tesla Model X for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla/model-x) (245)
- [Tesla Model X price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/tesla/model-x)
- [Cheapest Tesla Model X for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/tesla/model-x)
- [Used Tesla for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/tesla) (2,306)

## More Tesla buying guides

- [Tesla Model S (2021 on) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-s) (2021 on)
- [Tesla Model 3 buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-3) (2018 on)
- [Tesla Model Y buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-y) (2020 on)
- [Tesla Cybertruck buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/cybertruck) (2024 on)
- [Tesla Roadster (2008 to 2012) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/roadster) (2008 to 2012)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Tesla Model X news

- [Used Tesla market runs hot, but Model X asking prices fall 3.4%](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/tesla-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Of 2,306 used Teslas listed, 576 are rated great or good deals, and Model X listings take the longest of the models here to leave the market.
- [Used luxury car asking prices hold steady on 24 of 49 models in October](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/luxury-car-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): All six of the biggest risers are sports cars or exotics, and all six of the biggest decliners are SUVs. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale rose in price yet takes months to sell.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## Model X: common questions

### What is the best Model X to buy?

Find a Plaid whose battery health reading, or range check against the EPA figure, holds up. Prefer 20-inch wheels if range matters, since the rated 340 miles drops to 300 on 22-inch wheels. Avoid any car with a salvage title.

### What goes wrong with the Model X?

The air suspension, the high-voltage battery and the Falcon Wing doors are the main trouble spots. The suspension can leave the car sagging or unable to raise, and the doors can squeak, leak and falsely detect obstacles. Touchscreen replacement and several recalls round out the list.

### Is the Model X reliable?

Not by the professional measure. Consumer Reports rates the 2021 Model X much less reliable than other cars of its model year, and NHTSA lists 24 recalls for the 2021 car. Yahoo Autos cites an owner reliability score of 4.7 out of five, which points the other way.

### How much does it cost to run a Model X?

Routine upkeep is modest: Carlyle puts a typical year at $651 and five years at $2,460. The larger bills are $1,500 to $3,500 for air suspension and $15,000 to $25,000 for the battery, per Carlyle. Supercharging is pay-per-use on a used car.

### How much is a used Model X?

Asking prices for the 245 cars we track for sale right now run from $39,495 to $170,790, with a median of $63,147. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the Model X been recalled?

NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns filed for the 2021 to 2027 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for back over prevention. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Tesla Model X (2021 on) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/tesla/model-x (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.