2016 Tesla Model X Drive Unit Fluid Capacity & Specs

The 2016 Tesla Model X is a fully electric vehicle (EV) and does not take traditional engine oil, but its front and rear drive units do require approximately 1.5 to 2.3 quarts (1.4 to 2.2 liters) of synthetic transmission fluid per motor to lubricate the reduction gears. As an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently get asked about oil changes on EVs. While you won't be doing standard 5,000-mile engine oil and filter changes, maintaining the fluid in the Model X’s drive units is critical for the longevity of the electric motors and gearboxes.

Quick answer

Because the 2016 Tesla Model X lacks an internal combustion engine, the "oil" we are referring to is the drive unit (gearbox) fluid.

• Fluid capacity: Approximately 1.5 quarts (Small Front Motor), 2.3 quarts (Large Rear Motor), or 1.5 quarts (Small Rear Motor).
• Recommended fluid weight/spec: Dexron VI fully synthetic ATF (Tesla factory fill is often Pentosin ATF 9 or equivalent Dexron VI).
• Drive Unit Filter OEM part number: Tesla 1095038-00-A (Internal drive unit filter; typically only serviced if the drive unit is disassembled or flushed).
• Aftermarket cross-reference: Standard aftermarket engine oil filters like Fram, Wix, or Mobil 1 do not apply to this vehicle. Do not attempt to buy a standard engine oil filter for a Model X.

Capacity by engine option

The 2016 Tesla Model X features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. The total fluid required depends on whether the vehicle is a 75D, 90D, or a performance model like the P90D or P100D (which uses the Large Rear Drive Unit).

(Note: Always buy at least 4 quarts if you plan to service both front and rear units, to account for spillage during the fill process.)

Oil change interval

Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs are incredibly low maintenance when it comes to powertrain fluids.

• Normal duty: Tesla originally stated that the drive unit fluid is "sealed for life" or good for 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
• Severe duty: If you launch the car frequently, tow heavy loads (the Model X is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs), or drive in extreme climates, many EV specialty technicians recommend replacing the drive unit fluid every 50,000 miles to flush out gear wear metals.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: The drain and fill plugs on the Tesla drive units should be torqued to 26 lb-ft (35 Nm).
• Washer note: The plugs utilize an O-ring seal rather than a traditional crush washer. Inspect the O-ring for tearing or flattening; if damaged, you must replace the plug or the O-ring (consult a Tesla service center for replacement hardware) to prevent fluid leaks.

How to change the oil (Drive Unit Fluid)

Servicing the drive unit fluid is essentially identical to changing fluid in a traditional manual transmission or differential.

1. Lift the vehicle: Safely hoist the vehicle using the exact designated lift points (use lift pucks to avoid damaging the high-voltage battery).
2. Remove aero shields: Unbolt and remove the front and rear plastic underbody aero shields to access the drive units.
3. Locate the plugs: Identify the fill plug (higher up on the side of the drive unit) and the drain plug (at the very bottom).
4. Remove fill plug first: Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug to ensure you can actually refill the unit.
5. Drain the fluid: Remove the drain plug and let the old fluid drain into a catch pan. Clean the magnetic tip of the drain plug.
6. Reinstall drain plug: Torque to 26 lb-ft.
7. Fill the unit: Using a fluid pump, pump Dexron VI ATF into the fill hole until fluid begins to weep out of the bottom of the fill hole.
8. Reinstall fill plug: Torque to 26 lb-ft and reinstall the aero shields.

Common issues / tips

For the 2016 generation, the most common issue DIYers face is accessing the drive units. The aero shields have many fasteners, and the plastic clips frequently break; buy a pack of replacement Tesla push-clips before you start. Additionally, the fluid that comes out of the rear Large Drive Unit (on Performance models) is often quite dark and loaded with metallic paste on the drain plug magnet. This is normal break-in wear, which is exactly why many techs prefer to change this "lifetime" fluid at 50,000 miles.

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