Used car guide

2017 Tesla Model X: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Tesla Model Xs, from 2,042 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,042MOT tests in 2025
78%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
9,200typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

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

  • Ball joint2.9× usual
    Tesla Model X
    5.6% All 2017 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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.

  • Wipers1.9× usual
    Tesla Model X
    4.8% All 2017 cars
    2.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.5× usual
    Tesla Model X
    2.8% All 2017 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
    Tesla Model X
    3% All 2017 cars
    1.5%

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

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

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

  • Tyres
    34% 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.

  • Brakes
    26% 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.

  • Suspension
    15% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Seats and seatbelts
    3% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20201,478Tyres 37%
20191,228Tyres 35%
20181,426Tyres 36%

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