Tesla Model S MOT Failures
An analysis of 78,848 real DVSA MOT tests on the Tesla Model S — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Gen1 (2012–2016), Gen2 (2016–2021), Gen3 (2021–2024).
Where the Tesla Model S fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Tesla Model S is body panel damage — this model is 11 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 78,848 MOT tests, 0.3% of all Tesla Model S tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include tyre wear or damage (18x the fleet average), light unit fault (23x the fleet average), any fracture or welding defect on a wheel (8.0x the fleet average), and lamp showing red light to the front, white ligh... (1491x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Tesla Model S's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 4 categories: Bodywork, Tyres, Lights & Electrics, Wheels. If you're inspecting a Tesla Model S before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Tesla Model S's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Tesla Model S specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not ... (479x the average) and light unit fault (17x). body panel damage (8.7x) and any fracture or welding defect on a wheel (8.0x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Tesla Model S specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are lamp showing red light to the front, white ligh... (1491x the average) and light unit fault (8.9x). body panel damage (7.4x) and tyre wear or damage (6.0x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Tesla Model S specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel damage (11x the average) and tyre wear or damage (9.0x).
The shift from lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not ... at lower mileages to body panel damage at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Tesla Model S specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Drive Unit Failure Major
Tesla drive units combine electric motor, reduction gearbox, and power electronics in a sealed assembly. Affects Gen1, Gen2, Gen3.
MCU1 Screen Failure Major
The original MCU1 (Media Control Unit) contains a 17-inch touchscreen that serves as the primary interface for vehicle controls, navigation, climate, and charging functions. Affects Gen1.
Power Steering System Faults Major
Tesla Model S uses an electric power steering system that can develop faults in the motor, control module, or sensors. Affects Gen1, Gen2, Gen3; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,500.
Door Handle Failure
Tesla's flush-mounted retractable door handles are a signature design feature but suffer from mechanical failures in the presentation and retraction mechanism. Affects Gen1, Gen2; typical independent garage repair cost is £250–£400.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Tesla Model S common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Tesla Model S
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Tesla Model S:
Bodywork — check for body panel damage. Tyres — check for tyre wear or damage. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault, lamp showing red light to the front, white ligh..., lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not .... Wheels — check for any fracture or welding defect on a wheel.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about drive unit failure and mcu1 screen failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Tesla Model S?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Tesla Model S MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Tesla Model S?
Based on 78,848 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is body panel damage — at 11x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include tyre wear or damage and light unit fault.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable based on MOT data?
The Tesla Model S has 6 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag drive unit failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Tesla Model S most commonly fails on body panel damage and tyre wear or damage. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not ... and light unit fault.
How do I check a Tesla Model S's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.