Tesla Common MOT Problems (2026)
Tesla models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 171,266 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Tesla MOT pass rate: 89%
Check Your Tesla's MOT History
See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
89%
Avg pass rate
11%
Avg fail rate
16
Models tested
Tesla Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model S | 13% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Lighting defects | |
| 2 | Tesla Model X | 13% | Suspension wear, Lighting defects, Tyre condition | |
| 3 | Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd | 12% | Lighting defects | |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd | 11% | ||
| 5 | Tesla Model X Long Range Awd | 11% | Lighting defects |
Most Reliable Tesla Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Tesla Models by Fail Rate
Every Tesla model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S | 2014 | 79% | 20% | |
| Model S | 2015 | 82% | 16% | |
| Model S Perform Ludicrous Awd | 2019 | 84% | 15% | |
| Model S | 2016 | 85% | 14% | |
| Model 3 Performance Awd | 2020 | 87% | 13% | |
| Model X | 2017 | 86% | 13% | |
| Model X | 2018 | 87% | 13% | |
| Model X Long Range Awd | 2019 | 87% | 13% | |
| Model 3 Performance Awd | 2019 | 87% | 12% | |
| Model S | 2017 | 86% | 12% | |
| Model 3 Long Range Awd | 2021 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model 3 Long Range Awd | 2020 | 89% | 11% | |
| Model 3 Standard Range + | 2021 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model 3 Long Range Awd | 2019 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model 3 Performance Awd | 2021 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model S | 2018 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model X Long Range Awd | 2020 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model X | 2019 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model X Perform Ludicrous Awd | 2020 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model S Perform Ludicrous Awd | 2020 | 88% | 11% | |
| Model 3 Standard Range + | 2020 | 89% | 10% | |
| Model 3 Standard Range + | 2019 | 89% | 10% | |
| Model S Long Range Awd | 2020 | 89% | 10% | |
| Model S | 2019 | 89% | 9% | |
| Model S Long Range Awd | 2019 | 90% | 9% | |
| Model X Perform Ludicrous Awd | 2019 | 90% | 8% |
Tesla MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Tesla cars?
The most common MOT problems on Tesla cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Of the Tesla models with at least 1,000 tests, the Tesla Model S has the highest average fail rate at 13%. The Tesla Model X is level on 13%.
Which Tesla model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + has the best MOT record of the Tesla models with at least 1,000 tests: 89% of its 35,315 MOT tests ended in a pass and 10% in a fail. The Tesla Model S Long Range Awd and the Tesla Model X Perform Ludicrous Awd are level on 89%. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Tesla?
The average MOT pass rate for Tesla is 89%, based on 171,266 MOT tests across 16 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 11% of MOT tests on Tesla cars ended in a fail.
Tesla Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Tesla model
Check a Specific Tesla
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.