Tesla Model S Mk1 (2014-2020) reliability
Tesla Model S Mk1 built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Tesla Model S Mk1 models built around 2018 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Tesla Model S Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
6.4% of MOT tests on Tesla Model S Mk1 models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 3.0%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Tesla Model S Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 12,716 tests of Model S models registered 2014-2020.
About 1 in 15 Model S Mk1 MOTs (6.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 2,610 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 12 Model S Mk1 MOTs (7.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 2,610 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 11 years old.
How the Model S Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Model S Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 4,537 tests across 2 Tesla models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Model S Mk1.
- 1
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.2%
- Dangerous
- 4.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 16.7% for the Tesla Model S Mk1, both built around 2018.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Volvo S90
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.8%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 16.7% for the Tesla Model S Mk1, both built around 2018.
2,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Jaguar XE
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 6%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.6%, against 6.4% for the Tesla Model S Mk1.
8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Jaguar XF
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 5.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.1%
Lower fail rate: 13.3%, against 16.7% for the Tesla Model S Mk1, both built around 2018.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,761 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
8 recalls in all6 of the 8 Model S Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 5 more
Top concerns
- The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time
- Misalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch
- Loss of power steering assistance
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Model S Mk1 cars built around 2018
The share of electricity cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 134 cars.
How Model S Mk1 cars have aged
How Model S Mk1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of electricity cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13% | 8% | 13% |
| Brakes | 9% | 7% | 9% |
| Tyres | 26% | 34% | 40% |
| Lighting | 6% | 10% | 7% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on electricity cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 54 to 204 cars at each age.
Most common issues on Tesla Model Ses of this age
This list covers every Tesla Model S built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 39.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 49.2%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 57.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 2,610 tests
Looking at a Tesla Model S Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Tesla Model S Mk1 (2014-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,610 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.