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Tesla Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Tesla? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Tesla reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 89.2% (+25.2 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 4 Tesla models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 0.82% and the average retest rate is 7.6%. Tesla sits well above the UK average on first-time MOT performance. For a buyer focused on long-term reliability, it's a solid badge — though individual mileage and service history still matter more than brand.

Tesla first-time MOT pass rate

89.2%

Implied failure rate: 10.8% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+25.2 pp

Dangerous defects

0.82%

Retest rate

7.6%

How Tesla compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Tesla’s pass rate of 89.2% is 25.2 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Tesla models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Tesla pass rate89.2%
UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Tesla models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

1

Tesla Model Y

2021–present · sample ≈15k

90.2%
2

Tesla Model 3

2019–present · sample ≈25k

89.5%
3

Tesla Model S

2014–present · sample ≈8k

87.5%

Most problematic Tesla models

The Tesla models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

1

Tesla Model X

2016–present · sample ≈4k

86.8%
2

Tesla Model S

2014–present · sample ≈8k

87.5%
3

Tesla Model 3

2019–present · sample ≈25k

89.5%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Tesla

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

UK

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Tesla

Aggregated across 4 Tesla models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

11.1%
2

Tyres

8.8%
3

Suspension

8.5%
4

Brakes

7.7%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

1.6%

Related reading

Tesla MOT check

Per-model pass rates and free registration lookup.

Tesla common faults

Detailed fault list and indicative repair costs.

Tesla pass rate 2025

Most-recent year-keyed pass rate analysis.

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Tesla reliability — FAQ

Is Tesla a reliable car brand in the UK?
Tesla's first-time MOT pass rate of 89.2% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the stronger half of brands for MOT reliability. We track 4 Tesla models in our dataset.
What is the most reliable Tesla model for MOT?
Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Tesla models in our dataset are: Tesla Model Y (90.2%), Tesla Model 3 (89.5%), Tesla Model S (87.5%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.
Which Tesla models fail their MOT most often?
In our dataset, the Tesla models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Tesla Model X (86.8%), Tesla Model S (87.5%), Tesla Model 3 (89.5%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Tesla?
Aggregated across Tesla models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (11.1%), tyres (8.8%), suspension (8.5%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Tesla’s MOT history

Free, instant, no signup. Every test result, advisory, and mileage reading since 2005.

UK

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 4 Tesla models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.