TESLA MODEL S (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
50,356 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2020 TESLA MODEL S reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 4 years old, 91% of TESLA MODEL Ss from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,356 miles.
How does the 2020 TESLA MODEL S compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 TESLA MODEL S has 50,356 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Best year to buy a TESLA MODEL S?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2020 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2020 TESLA MODEL S cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
TESLA MODEL S by Year
Checking a specific TESLA MODEL S?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2020 TESLA MODEL S
The 2020 TESLA MODEL S is a city car with a 476cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 50,356 miles at 4 years old, TESLA MODEL S owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2020 TESLA MODEL S Fuel Costs
The modest 476cc 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 2020 TESLA MODEL S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 TESLA MODEL S
At 4 years old, the TESLA MODEL S offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2020 TESLA MODEL S
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN LEAF (2021) 94% pass rate (+3%) from 14,453 tests