2023 Tesla Model Y: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2023 Tesla Model Y?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2023 Tesla Model Y than on all cars registered in 2023.

• Ball joint10.7× usual
  Tesla Model Y

  3.2% All 2023 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2023 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 joints3.8× usual
  Tesla Model Y

  2.3% All 2023 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2023 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 2023 Tesla Model Y MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 Tesla Model Y MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  21% 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
  6% 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
  2% 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
  1% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  1% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Electronic glitches and faulty sensors

  All versions

  12% of owners reported a fault, mainly bodywork, electrics and infotainment, including faulty sensors and an erratic screen. Recalls covered the front suspension (127 cars) and audio system (9,471).

  At the viewing: Test the screen, cameras and sensors, and check recalls in the Tesla app.

  Source: What Car?: used Tesla Model Y (2022 on) reliability

• Panel and bodywork faults

  All versions

  Bodywork was one of the main fault areas.

  At the viewing: Look along the panel gaps and over the paint.

  Source: What Car?: used Tesla Model Y (2022 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Tesla Model Y

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 10.7× as often on the 2023 Tesla Model Y as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2023 Tesla Model Y as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?