Used car guide

2023 Tesla Model Y RWD: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Tesla Model Y RWDs, from 1,298 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,298MOT tests in 2025
91%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
12,900typical miles a year
17×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2023 Tesla Model Y RWDs than on all cars registered in 2023.

  • Ball joint17× usual
    Tesla Model Y RWD
    5.1% All 2023 cars
    0.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2023 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.

  • Suspension rod bushesnull× usual
    Tesla Model Y RWD
    2.9% All 2023 cars
    0%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints4× usual
    Tesla Model Y RWD
    2.4% All 2023 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

By area

The share of 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    21% 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
    8% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% 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
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Brakes
    1% 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.

Looking at a Tesla Model Y RWD?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,598Tyres 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Tesla Model Y RWDs registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score