73 AUTO

MOT performance

2018 Tesla Model S: MOT pass rate and common failures

Of 3,720 MOT tests on 2018-registered Tesla Model Ss in 2023–2024 (on average 5 years old at test, median 55,717 miles), 84.4% passed first time, 3.4 points higher than the Tesla Model S overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2018 Tesla Model Ss failed about as often as comparable cars.

3,720 MOT tests on 1,795 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto

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At a glance

2018 Tesla Model S MOT results at a glance
FigureValueBasis
First-time pass rate84.4%±1.2 pts (95%), n = 3,720
All Tesla Model Ss81.0%n = 21,398
Failures vs similar cars0.98×same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00
Tests with a dangerous defect7.3%n = 3,720
Average age at test5 yearsn = 3,720

Where 2018 Tesla Model Ss fail

2018 Tesla Model S MOT failures by area
AreaTests failed on itvs similar cars
Tyres8.8%+20%
Driver's view of the road3.0%+1%
Lights, reflectors and electrical2.7%-27%
Suspension1.8%-33%
Brakes1.3%-34%
Steering0.6%+86%
Road wheels0.3%+34%
Body, chassis and structure0.2%-38%
Registration plates and VIN0.2%-18%
Seat belts and airbags0.1%-65%

Most common failure items

Most common 2018 Tesla Model S MOT failure items
ItemAreaShare of tests
Condition: has ply or cords exposedTyres3.23%
Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres2.88%
Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres1.83%
Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectivelyDriver's view of the road1.34%
Headlamp aim: too lowLights, reflectors and electrical1.05%

Check a specific 2018 Tesla Model S

Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.

UK number plate or 17-character VIN

About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.