2018 Tesla Model X: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Tread depth1.6× usual
  Tesla Model X

  28.1% All 2018 cars

  17.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Ball joint5.2× usual
  Tesla Model X

  5.2% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.7× usual
  Tesla Model X

  2.3% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% 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.

Common 2018 Tesla Model X MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  37% 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
  16% 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
  10% 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
  7% 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
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Tesla Model X

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

1. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2018 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2018 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2018 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?