2019 Tesla Model X: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Tesla Model X?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Tesla Model X than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Tread depth1.7× usual
  Tesla Model X

  27% All 2019 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.7% of all 2019 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints7.4× usual
  Tesla Model X

  3.7% All 2019 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint4.9× usual
  Tesla Model X

  3.4% All 2019 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2019 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 2019 Tesla Model X MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Tesla Model X MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% 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
  14% 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
  7% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  4% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% 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 2019 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 1.7× as often on the 2019 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2019 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2019 Tesla Model X as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?