Tesla Model S MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,616 MOT tests on the Tesla Model S carried out in 2023. 18% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Model S models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2014 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (80% passed, +4.9 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (80%, −7.5 points). Tested cars had covered 67,725 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 9.6% of tests (slightly above the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "has ply or cords exposed", on 3.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,616
- First-time pass rate
- 82%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +10.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 67,725
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Model S?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Model S MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 815 | 80% | 88% | −7.5 points | 35,958 |
| 2019 | 1,213 | 84% | 86% | −2.1 points | 44,393 |
| 2018 | 1,851 | 85% | 84% | +0.6 points | 55,277 |
| 2017 | 2,483 | 84% | 82% | +1.9 points | 66,540 |
| 2016 | 2,338 | 81% | 79% | +2.1 points | 82,102 |
| 2015 | 1,298 | 80% | 75% | +4.9 points | 89,464 |
| 2014 | 612 | 74% | 72% | +2.3 points | 98,381 |
Why the Tesla Model S fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Model S | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 9.6% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 2.9% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.5% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 1.9% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.8% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1has ply or cords exposed3.6%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
- 5ball joint excessively worn1.5%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
- 7malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.9%
- 8too low0.9%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
- 10too high0.7%
Common Model S MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Model S, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 18.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.9% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 3.2% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 1.9% |
| excessively fluctuating | Brakes | 1.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
Tips to help your Model S pass
Based on where Model S models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 3.4% of Model S tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Lights and electrics · 2.5% of Model S tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Compare with other models
Is the Model S ULEZ compliant? See the Tesla Model S ULEZ check, or view all Tesla models.
Other Tesla models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,616 first MOT tests of the Tesla Model S carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 10,616 first MOT tests of the Tesla Model S.
What is the Tesla Model S MOT failure rate?
In our data, 18% of 10,616 first MOT attempts on the Tesla Model S ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Tesla Model S fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (9.6% of tests), visibility (3.4% of tests), suspension (2.9% of tests).
Which Model S year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +4.9 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 80% (−7.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Tesla Model S covered at its MOT?
The average was 67,725 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 35,958 miles and 2014 cars 98,381.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Tesla Model S?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 9.6% of Model S models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Model S's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,616 Model S models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 74% to 85% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Model S's MOT history
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