2020 Tesla Model S · 1,960 MOT tests
2020 Tesla Model S reliability
2020 Tesla Model Ss fail 16.8% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 7 Model S years (1,960 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model Ss: 16.8%)
- 16.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model Ss: 16.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 42,944
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,960
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 6.7% of tests fail here (87% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 70% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Tesla Model S
Fail rate by area
- Tyres8.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.7%
- Lights and electrics1.2%
- Wheels0.9%
- Brakes0.8%
- Suspension0.7%
- Body, chassis and structure0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.6%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.14%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.73%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.48%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.07%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.56%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.78%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.45%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (2.04%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.79%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (1.48%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.38%)
Is a 2020 Tesla Model S reliable?
2020 Tesla Model Ss fail 16.8% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 7 Model S years (1,960 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Tesla Model S MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (2.6% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.14% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Tesla Model S have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Tesla Model S shows 42,944 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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