Tesla reliability and common MOT problems by model
Tesla shows a 13.4% combined MOT failure rate across 53,672 tests in MOTIntel data. Model 3 Standard Range has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 11.7%. Model 3 Performance Awd deserves extra checking at 15.1%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Tesla combined failure rate: 13.4% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #8 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Model 3 Standard Range (11.7%), Model 3 Long Range Awd (12.9%), Model S (13.9%), Model 3 Performance Awd (15.1%)
Model 3 Performance Awd (15.1%), Model S (13.9%), Model 3 Long Range Awd (12.9%), Model 3 Standard Range (11.7%)
Most reliable Tesla models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 Standard Range | 11.7% | 12,038 tests | 9,557 vehicles |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd | 12.9% | 15,123 tests | 12,407 vehicles |
| 3 | Tesla Model S | 13.9% | 10,783 tests | 8,779 vehicles |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd | 15.1% | 9,626 tests | 7,781 vehicles |
Tesla models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd | 15.1% | 9,626 tests | 7,781 vehicles |
| 2 | Tesla Model S | 13.9% | 10,783 tests | 8,779 vehicles |
| 3 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd | 12.9% | 15,123 tests | 12,407 vehicles |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 Standard Range | 11.7% | 12,038 tests | 9,557 vehicles |
Common Tesla MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension and steering | 2,415 MOT notes | 4 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd, Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd |
| 2 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 1,434 MOT notes | 4 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd, Tesla Model 3 Standard Range |
| 3 | Tyres and wheels | 753 MOT notes | 4 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd, Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, Tesla Model S |
| 4 | Lights and electrical | 735 MOT notes | 4 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd |
| 5 | Corrosion and structure | 379 MOT notes | 4 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd |
All Tesla model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range Awd | 15,123 | 12,407 | 12.9% |
| Model 3 Standard Range | 12,038 | 9,557 | 11.7% |
| Model S | 10,783 | 8,779 | 13.9% |
| Model 3 Performance Awd | 9,626 | 7,781 | 15.1% |
| Model X limited data | 4,627 | 3,827 | 14.1% |
| Model X Long Range Awd limited data | 1,475 | 1,212 | 14.8% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.