Tesla Model X MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,793 MOT tests on the Tesla Model X carried out in 2023. 17% 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 X models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2017 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2017 models did best (82% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 6-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (82%, −5.7 points). Tested cars had covered 47,604 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 12.8% of tests (noticeably above the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "has ply or cords exposed", on 7.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,793
- First-time pass rate
- 83%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +11.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 47,604
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Model X?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Model X 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 | 1,198 | 82% | 88% | −5.7 points | 33,002 |
| 2019 | 1,159 | 85% | 86% | −1.1 points | 40,329 |
| 2018 | 1,362 | 82% | 84% | −2.4 points | 49,400 |
| 2017 | 2,026 | 82% | 82% | +0.8 points | 58,935 |
Why the Tesla Model X fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Model X | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 12.8% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 2.2% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 1.8% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 1.5% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.0% | 11.3% |
| Body and structure | 0.8% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1has ply or cords exposed7.1%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
- 5malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.9%
- 6ball joint excessively worn0.9%
- 7constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.6%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick0.5%
- 10does not conform to the specified requirements0.5%
Common Model X MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Model X, 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 | 22.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.6% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.6% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.6% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.3% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Model X pass
Based on where Model X models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 2.2% of Model X 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.
Brakes · 1.8% of Model X tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Model X ULEZ compliant? See the Tesla Model X ULEZ check, or view all Tesla models.
Other Tesla models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,793 first MOT tests of the Tesla Model X 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 5,793 first MOT tests of the Tesla Model X.
What is the Tesla Model X MOT failure rate?
In our data, 17% of 5,793 first MOT attempts on the Tesla Model X ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Tesla Model X fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (12.8% of tests), visibility (2.2% of tests), brakes (1.8% of tests).
Which Model X year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2017 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 6-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 82% (−5.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Tesla Model X covered at its MOT?
The average was 47,604 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 33,002 miles and 2017 cars 58,935.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Tesla Model X?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 22.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 12.8% of Model X models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Model X's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,793 Model X models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 82% 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Model X's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.