Executive car · 2007–2021 cars
Tesla Model S reliability
The Tesla Model S fails 16.8% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 33,048 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Tesla Model S before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 16.8%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 33,048
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 11,300
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Tesla Model S ages
Each point is the share of Tesla Model Ss of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Tesla Model S | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 15% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 13.9% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 15.3% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 16.2% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 18% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 21.6% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 23.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 24.7% | 31.8% |
By year
The best and worst Tesla Model S years
2015 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Model S | 1,960 | 16.8% | 9% more fails | 42,944 |
| 2019 Model S | 3,371 | 14.2% | 10% fewer fails | 43,840 |
| 2018 Model S | 5,864 | 13.9% | 20% fewer fails | 50,735 |
| 2017 Model S | 7,878 | 15.3% | 23% fewer fails | 59,972 |
| 2016 Model S | 7,700 | 18.2% | 24% fewer fails | 75,629 |
| 2015 Model S | 4,360 | 19.4% | 27% fewer fails | 82,977 |
| 2014 Model S | 1,870 | 24.5% | 16% fewer fails | 90,647 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Tesla Model S
Its weak spot is tyres: 43% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres8.8%43% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%16% below avg
- Suspension2.7%37% below avg
- Lights and electrics2.3%65% below avg
- Brakes1.7%60% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.8%36% below avg
- Steering0.7%22% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.4%46% above avg
- Wheels0.3%6% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.69% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.66% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.48% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.4% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 5
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.89% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 6
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.84% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 7
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.75% of tests
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
- 8
Headlamp aim set too low 0.7% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Tesla Model S's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit14.68%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.6%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.48%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.03%
- Suspension ball joint slight play3%
- Tyre has a shallow cut2.53%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Tesla Model S
- 1
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Tesla Model S covers about 11,300 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Electric64.9%
- Other35.1%
Most common colours
Black, Blue, Grey, White, Red
Average engine size: 0.8 litres.
Compare
How the Tesla Model S compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus GS | 19.4% | 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo S90 | 11.7% | 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo S80 | 30.5% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Tesla Model S | 16.8% | 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo V90 | 14.4% | 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jaguar S-Type | 37.2% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz CLC | 42.8% | 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every executive car ranked in the executive car reliability index, or all Tesla models.
Questions
Tesla Model S questions, answered
Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
On MOT results, the Tesla Model S is better than average: it fails 16.8% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 28 of 40 executive car models in our index.
What fails most on a Tesla Model S MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Tesla Model S are tyre ply or cords exposed (2.69% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.66% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.48% of tests). By area, tyres fails 8.8% of its tests.
Which Tesla Model S year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2015 cars do best (27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (9% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Tesla Model S do a year?
A typical Tesla Model S covers about 11,300 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Tesla Model S before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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