2018 · 6 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2018 Tesla Model S MOT pass rate and common faults

1,674 MOT tests in 2024. 83.6% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time83.6%
Failed or needed repairs16.4%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,674 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.3%
    78 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    79 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.1%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.8%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play0.8%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.8%
    17 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres11.1%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  4. Suspension2.7%
  5. Brakes1.4%
  6. Steering0.9%
  7. Wheels0.4%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.2%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Tesla Model S?

In 2024, 83.6% of 2018 Tesla Model S cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,674 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Tesla Model S?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Tesla Model S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).