2018 Tesla Model S: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Tesla Model S?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Tesla Model S than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Ball joint5.1× usual
  Tesla Model S

  5.1% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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 joints2.4× usual
  Tesla Model S

  5.5% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Tesla Model S MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Tesla Model S MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  13% 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
  11% 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
  5% 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
  5% 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 2018 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 5.1× as often on the 2018 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2018 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?