Large SUV · 2016–2021 cars
Tesla Model X reliability
The Tesla Model X fails 15.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 21,468 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Tesla Model X before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 15.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 21,468
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 10,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Tesla Model X ages
Each point is the share of Tesla Model Xs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Tesla Model X | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 15.3% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 16.4% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 16.2% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 16% | 22.1% |
By year
The best and worst Tesla Model X years
2017 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 X | 3,170 | 15.5% | 8% more fails | 37,494 |
| 2019 Model X | 4,221 | 14.3% | 7% fewer fails | 42,673 |
| 2018 Model X | 5,465 | 16.2% | 6% fewer fails | 48,480 |
| 2017 Model X | 8,288 | 16.4% | 18% fewer fails | 58,147 |
| 2016 | 250 | 10% | 53% fewer fails | 52,837 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Tesla Model X
Its weak spot is tyres: 95% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres10.9%95% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.4%30% below avg
- Suspension1.6%39% below avg
- Brakes1.4%58% below avg
- Lights and electrics0.9%81% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%8% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.6%116% above avg
- Steering0.3%41% below avg
- Wheels0.2%18% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre ply or cords exposed 4.54% 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 2.18% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.63% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.08% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.62% of tests
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
- 6
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.46% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.41% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.41% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Tesla Model X's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit15.42%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.99%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.76%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit2.21%
- Child seat limits belt inspection1.91%
- Tyre has a shallow cut1.84%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Tesla Model X
- 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
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.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 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 X covers about 10,500 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
- Electric100%
Most common colours
Black, White, Grey, Blue, Silver
Compare
How the Tesla Model X compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Bentley Bentayga | 4.2% | 73% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi Q8 | 7.5% | 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 17.8% | 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Tesla Model X | 15.7% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jeep Wrangler | 26% | 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 45.5% | 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SsangYong Rexton | 35.6% | 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every large suv ranked in the large suv reliability index, or all Tesla models.
Questions
Tesla Model X questions, answered
Is the Tesla Model X reliable?
On MOT results, the Tesla Model X is about average: it fails 15.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 26 of 30 large suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Tesla Model X MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Tesla Model X are tyre ply or cords exposed (4.54% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.18% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.63% of tests). By area, tyres fails 10.9% of its tests.
Which Tesla Model X year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2017 cars do best (18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (8% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Tesla Model X do a year?
A typical Tesla Model X covers about 10,500 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 X 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.
Found a Tesla Model X? Check it free.
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.