Tesla reliability: MOT results 2024
Figures updated
Ranked 36 of 52 makes
61,868 Tesla cars aged 3 to 20 had an MOT in 2024, and 16.9% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Allowing for age and mileage, a Tesla is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At their first MOT, 16.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
Tesla models ranked
| Model | Score | Fail rate | First MOT | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model X | 96 | 19.7% | 17.6% | 6,127 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 93 | 16.5% | 15.9% | 54,303 |
Tesla MOT failure rate by age
What Tesla cars fail on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 12.3% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 2.1% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Suspension | 1.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Visibility | 1.4% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Brakes | 0.7% | ▼ 74% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 69% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 74% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.0% | ▼ 98% less often |
Most common Tesla MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.3% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed4.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too low0.9% of tests
- Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.7% of tests
Compare Tesla cars with their rivals
- Nissan Qashqai vs Tesla Model Y
- Ford Kuga vs Tesla Model Y
- Kia Sportage vs Tesla Model Y
- Volkswagen Tiguan vs Tesla Model Y
- Honda CR-V vs Tesla Model Y
- Dacia Bigster vs Tesla Model Y
- Skoda Elroq vs Tesla Model Y
New Tesla models: Tesla Model Y
Frequently asked questions
›Are Tesla cars reliable?
By MOT results, Tesla ranks 36 of 52 makes in 2024, with a reliability score of 93 (100 is average for the same age and mileage). 16.9% of Tesla cars failed their MOT first time.
›What is the most reliable Tesla?
The Tesla Model X, with a score of 96. The lowest-scoring is the Model 3 (93).
›What do Tesla cars fail their MOT on?
Tyres: 12.3% of Tesla MOTs failed on it, 2.1 times the rate for similar cars. The single most common fault was “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0. How we calculate the league.