2016 Tesla Model S: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Tesla Model S?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Tesla Model S than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Ball joint3.3× usual
  Tesla Model S

  7.5% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2016 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 arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Tesla Model S

  8.6% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.4× usual
  Tesla Model S

  2.7% All 2016 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2016 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.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Tesla Model S

  4.2% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2016 Tesla Model S MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 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
  22% 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
  19% 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
  8% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Tesla Model S

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2016 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2016 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?