2017 Tesla Model S: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Tesla Model S?

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

• Ball joint3.5× usual
  Tesla Model S

  5.2% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% 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

  2.1% All 2017 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% 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.

Common 2017 Tesla Model S MOT failures and advisories

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
  31% 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
  17% 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
  16% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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 2017 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 3.5× as often on the 2017 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2017 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?