Check any Tesla before you buy
Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.
£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found
How reliable are Tesla cars?
Our database covers 3 Tesla models and 28 documented faults across the range. Of these, 2 are classified as dangerous and a further 9 as major. Dangerous faults are those that can compromise vehicle safety or lead to complete mechanical failure if left unaddressed.
According to DVSA MOT test data, Tesla models fail at an average rate of 13.8%, sitting below the 22.7% average across all manufacturers in our database. Reliability varies considerably between models. The Model 3 is the strongest performer at just 12.3%, while the Model X has the highest failure rate at 14.7%.
If you are considering a used Tesla, researching the specific model and generation you are looking at makes a real difference. The most common failure areas across the range are body & rust and suspension, though each model has its own particular weak points. This page gives you a complete breakdown by severity, the models affected, and what repairs typically cost at UK garages.
Tesla reliability summary
Where Tesla problems occur
Understanding which systems are most prone to failure helps you focus during a test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Here is how Tesla's 28 known issues break down by area.
Body & Rust problems dominate, accounting for 7 of the 28 faults we track (25%). Issues in this area include Panel Gaps and Rear Bumper Paint. The most affected models are the Model 3 (3), the Model S (2), the Model X (2).
Suspension is the next most common area, with 5 documented faults (18%). Common faults here include Suspension pin and bush wear and Suspension Noise. The most affected models are the Model 3 (2), the Model S (2), the Model X (1).
We also track 5 interior faults across the range (18%). Problems to watch for include Heat Pump Issues and MCU1 Screen Failure. The most affected models are the Model S (2), the Model X (2), the Model 3 (1).
Brakes rounds out the top problem areas with 3 known issues (11%). Notable issues include Brake disc cracking and weakness and Brake Disc Warping. The most affected models are the Model 3 (1), the Model S (1), the Model X (1).
Known Tesla faults by severity
Every fault in our database is rated by severity based on its potential safety impact and typical repair cost. Below is a sample of issues at each level, with links to the affected model pages where you can read the full details.
Major
- Suspension pin and bush wear Model 3
- Drive Unit Failure Model S
- CV joint boot deterioration (GEN1) Model X
- Brake disc cracking and weakness Model 3
- MCU1 Screen Failure Model S
+ 4 more major issues across Tesla models
Minor
- Heat Pump Issues Model 3
- Door Handle Failure Model S
- Door Handle Failure (GEN1) Model X
- Suspension Noise Model 3
- 12V Battery Drain Model S
+ 3 more minor issues across Tesla models
Advisory
- Panel Gaps Model 3
- MCU2 Upgrade Needed Model S
- Improved Reliability (GEN1 Refresh) Model X
- Rear Bumper Paint Model 3
- Improved Build Quality (2021+ vehicles) Model 3
+ 3 more advisory issues across Tesla models
Top issues across the Tesla range
The most common and severe problems found across all Tesla models, ranked by severity and how many models are affected.
Check any Tesla before you buy
Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.
£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found
Problems by Tesla model
We track faults across 3 Tesla models. Each model page includes every known issue, generation-specific details, UK repair costs, and MOT failure data. Select a model below to see its full breakdown.
What to check before buying a used Tesla
Every used Tesla deserves a thorough inspection, but knowing the common weak points for your target model gives you a serious advantage. Since body & rust faults are the most common across the range, pay particular attention to this area during any viewing or test drive.
The 2 dangerous-rated faults deserve special attention. These include Phantom braking and autopilot issues, Power steering system failure (GEN1). Any of these can compromise safety or result in repair bills running well into the thousands.
A complete dealer service history is one of the strongest indicators of how well a Tesla has been looked after. Many of the faults on this page are preventable or can be caught early through regular servicing. If the seller cannot produce service records, treat that as a significant red flag.
Check the MOT history carefully too. With a 13.8% average failure rate across the Tesla range, some advisories and minor failures are normal over the life of any car. What matters is the pattern: recurring failures in the same area suggest an underlying problem, while a history of clean passes is encouraging.
Tesla repair costs: what to expect
Across all documented faults, the average Tesla repair costs between £256 and £486 at an independent garage. At the top end, the most expensive single repair can reach £1,500 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30% to 50% higher across the board.
The single most expensive Tesla repair in our database is Drive Unit Failure, which can cost £8,000–£12,000 at a main dealer.
These figures are based on reported UK repair costs and serve as a guide. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, the garage, and the parts required. Getting quotes from two or three specialists before committing to any major work is always worthwhile.
Buying a used Tesla? Check it first
Get the full picture before you commit. Our car check covers outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies. Or check the service history to see whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.
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Tesla reliability FAQs
Are Tesla cars reliable?
Across 3 models with MOT data, Tesla has an average MOT failure rate of 13.8%. The most reliable model is the Model 3 at 12.3% failure rate, while the Model X has the highest at 14.7%. We track 28 known issues across 3 Tesla models.
What are the most common Tesla problems?
The most common Tesla problems include Phantom braking and autopilot issues, Power steering system failure (GEN1), and MCU1 Screen Failure. Across all Tesla models we track 28 known issues, with 2 rated as dangerous.
Which Tesla model is most reliable?
Based on MOT failure data, the Tesla Model 3 is the most reliable model with a 12.3% failure rate from 3,355 tests. The least reliable is the Model X at 14.7%. However, individual car condition and service history matter more than model averages.
How much do Tesla repairs cost?
Tesla repair costs at independent garages average £256-£486 per issue. The most expensive repairs can reach £1,500 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30-50% higher. Costs vary significantly by model and issue, so check the specific model page for detailed pricing.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Tesla?
Yes. Tesla models have 28 known issues between them, including 2 dangerous and 9 major problems. A service history check (£6.99) shows whether scheduled maintenance was done, and a premium car check (£7.49) covers finance, stolen, write-off status. Both are essential before buying any used Tesla.