Used car guide

2017 Tesla Model S: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Tesla Model Ss, from 2,571 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,571MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
10,300typical miles a year
3.6×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Tesla Model Ss than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Ball joint3.6× usual
    Tesla Model S
    6.9% All 2017 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
    Tesla Model S
    2.4% All 2017 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Sidelights2× usual
    Tesla Model S
    2% All 2017 cars
    1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.8% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

By area

The share of 2017 Tesla Model S MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    32% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    20% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    20% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Steering
    2% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Tesla Model S?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020937Tyres 31%
20191,267Tyres 28%
20181,905Tyres 28%
20162,343Tyres 31%
20151,280Tyres 33%
2014599Tyres 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Tesla Model Ss registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score