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Tesla Model S Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Tesla Model S (2014–present).

MOT Pass Rate

87.5%5.5% above national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Excellent — based on approx. 8,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.00%

Low risk

Retest Rate

8.5%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

12.0%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

9.5%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

8.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

8.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

1.8%

Where Faults Occur

27.0%

Front

25.0%

Rear

19.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

24,000 mi

At 5 years

42,000 mi

At 10 years

N/A

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Tesla Model S a Good Buy?

The Tesla Model S demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 87.5% pass rate. This places it 5.5% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 12.0% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Tesla Model S MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Tesla Model S.

View Tesla Model S MOT Data

Check a Specific Tesla Model S

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Tesla Model S.

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Other Tesla Models

Tesla Model 3

89.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Tesla Model Y

90.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Tesla Model X

86.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Tesla models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Tesla Model S?
The top MOT failure on the Tesla Model S is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 12.0% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Tesla Model S MOT pass rate?
The Tesla Model S has an estimated MOT pass rate of 87.5%, which is 5.5% above the national average of 82%. This rates the Tesla Model S as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Tesla Model S has a excellent reliability record with a 87.5% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.00% and a retest rate of 8.5%.
How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model S MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Tesla Model S MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Tesla Model S have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Tesla Model S covers approximately 24,000 mi by 3 years, 42,000 mi by 5 years, and N/A by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Tesla Model S?
The Tesla Model S is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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