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Tesla Model X Mk1 (2016-2020) reliability

At a glance

Tesla Model X Mk1 built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Tesla Model X 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 X Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

6.6% of MOT tests on Tesla Model X Mk1 models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.7%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Tesla Model X Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Tesla Model X Mk1
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2016-2020SUVELECTRICITY

Based on 7,342 tests of Model X models registered 2016-2020.

About 1 in 15 Model X Mk1 MOTs (6.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,927 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 10 Model X Mk1 MOTs (10%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,927 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

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
79616.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,50918.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,61916.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,92718.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,49117.7%

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 7 years old.

How the Model X Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Model X 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).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateTesla average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
79616.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,50918.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,61916.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,92718.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,49117.7%

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 priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Model X Mk1.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 18.8% for the Tesla Model X Mk1, both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 18.8% for the Tesla Model X Mk1, both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 18.8% for the Tesla Model X Mk1, both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Honda HR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 18.8% for the Tesla Model X Mk1, both built around 2018.

    6,689 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.

Recall context

8 recalls in all

3 of the 8 Model X Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Seat may not correctly latch
  • Parking brake may not release correctly
  • WHEN THE eMMC REACHES ACCUMULATED LIFETIME WEAR THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE a BLANK CENTRE DISPLAY

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Model X Mk1 cars built around 2018

The share of electricity cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 115 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
10%
Drivetrain
2%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Tyres
50%
Brakes
10%
Lighting
3%
How Model X Mk1 cars have aged

How Model X 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.

0%10%20%345678Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (1,112 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,036 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (941 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (946 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (906 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (889 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (876 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (1,105 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,012 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (965 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (975 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (947 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (1,538 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (1,507 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (1,494 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (1,467 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (1,441 tests, 2025 data)2017
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension2%10%15%
Brakes10%10%12%
Tyres33%50%45%
Lighting2%3%1%
DrivetrainNo figure2%2%
SteeringNo figure1%1%

Based on electricity cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 52 to 156 cars at each age.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Tesla Model Xes of this age

This list covers every Tesla Model X 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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    25.2%
    Advisory: 787Fail: 91 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.4%
    Advisory: 334Fail: 20 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.8%
    Advisory: 304Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.4%
    Advisory: 308Fail: 77 (20% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.0%
    Advisory: 142Fail: 175 (55% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,927 tests

Looking at a Tesla Model X 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 X Mk1 (2016-2020) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,927 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 7,342 MOT tests on Tesla Model Xes first registered between 2016-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.