2018 Tesla Model S · 5,864 MOT tests
2018 Tesla Model S reliability
2018 Tesla Model Ss fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 7 Model S years (5,864 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model Ss: 16.8%)
- 13.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model Ss: 16.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 50,735
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,864
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.6% of tests fail here (36% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 47% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Tesla Model S
Fail rate by area
- Tyres7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%
- Lights and electrics2.6%
- Suspension1.5%
- Brakes0.9%
- Steering0.4%
- Body, chassis and structure0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.32%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.43%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.31%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.8%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.73%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.63%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.1%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (3%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.85%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (2.06%)
Is a 2018 Tesla Model S reliable?
2018 Tesla Model Ss fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 7 Model S years (5,864 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Tesla Model S MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (2.32% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.43% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Tesla Model S have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Tesla Model S shows 50,735 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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