2016 · 8 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2016 Tesla Model S MOT pass rate and common faults

2,172 MOT tests in 2024. 77.8% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time77.8%
Failed or needed repairs22.2%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,172 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed4.1%
    145 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    121 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.8%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    32 marked dangerous
  10. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres12.4%
  2. Suspension5.2%
  3. Lights & electrics4.2%
  4. Brakes3.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.6%
  6. Steering1.9%
  7. Body & chassis1.5%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.5%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.7%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.3%

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 2016 Tesla Model S?

In 2024, 77.8% of 2016 Tesla Model S cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,172 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 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 2016 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).