2020 Tesla Model S: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Tesla Model S?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Tesla Model S than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.9× usual
  Tesla Model S

  4.7% All 2020 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2020 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.

• Ball joint9× usual
  Tesla Model S

  3.6% All 2020 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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 2020 Tesla Model S MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Tesla Model S MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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
  9% 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.

• Brakes
  7% 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
  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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  2% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2020 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 9× as often on the 2020 Tesla Model S as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?