TESLA MODEL S (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,922 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 0cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TESLA brand average of 89%.
At 10 years old, 85% of TESLA MODEL Ss from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,922 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,004 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
94,004
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 TESLA MODEL S has 94,004 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2016 sits between the two at 85%.
TESLA MODEL S by Year
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About the 2016 TESLA MODEL S
The 2016 TESLA MODEL S is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 4,922 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 94,004 miles at 10 years old, TESLA MODEL S owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2016 TESLA MODEL S Fuel Costs
The modest 0cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 TESLA MODEL S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TESLA MODEL S Reliability Trend
Newer TESLA MODEL Ss show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 TESLA MODEL S
At 10 years old, the TESLA MODEL S is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 TESLA MODEL S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 94k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 TESLA MODEL S stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESLA MODEL S(2016) | 85% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| NISSAN LEAF(2018) | 89% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1550+£170 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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