2017 · 7 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2017 Tesla Model S MOT pass rate and common faults

2,230 MOT tests in 2024. 81.5% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time81.5%
Failed or needed repairs18.5%
Typical mileage at test71,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,230 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
    174 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.0%
    121 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.0%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.9%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.9%
  8. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low0.7%
  10. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres12.5%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  3. Lights & electrics3.1%
  4. Suspension2.9%
  5. Brakes2.6%
  6. Steering1.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.8%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.2%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2017 Tesla Model S?

In 2024, 81.5% of 2017 Tesla Model S cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,230 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Tesla Model S?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; 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 2017 Tesla Model S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).