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Tesla Model Y Mk1 (2021-2024) reliability

At a glance

Tesla Model Y Mk1 built around 2022: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Tesla Model Y Mk1 models built around 2022 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 Y Mk1?

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

Key figure

3.9% of MOT tests on Tesla Model Y Mk1 models built around 2022 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.6%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Tesla Model Y Mk1 models built around 2022 involves the tyres.

Tesla Model Y Mk1
poor reliability2021-2024SUVELECTRICITY

Based on 25,363 tests of Model Y models registered 2021-2024.

About 1 in 6 electricity Model Y cars registered in 2022 (16.5%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 29,490 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 25 Model Y Mk1 MOTs (3.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2022 (3 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 25,363 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 15 Model Y Mk1 MOTs (6.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2022 (3 years old).

Based on 25,363 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
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
25,36314.3%

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 3 years old.

How the Model Y Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Model Y Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 55,769 tests across 2 Tesla models, built around 2022 (3 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateTesla average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
25,36314.3%

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 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 Y Mk1.

  1. 1

    Honda HR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.3%
    Dangerous
    1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97%

    Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 14.3% for the Tesla Model Y Mk1, both built around 2022.

    4,493 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  2. 2

    Lexus UX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.6%
    Dangerous
    1.2%

    Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 14.3% for the Tesla Model Y Mk1, both built around 2022.

    4,866 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 4.3%, against 14.3% for the Tesla Model Y Mk1, both built around 2022.

    2,386 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.6%
    Dangerous
    1.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 5.1%, against 14.3% for the Tesla Model Y Mk1, both built around 2022.

    3,800 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

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

7 recalls in all

5 of the 7 Model Y Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 recalls

Top concerns

  • Update vehicle software to rectify EPAS functionality
  • Update vehicle software to correct TPMS behaviour
  • A loss of low voltage system support may cause the audio subsystem to be unavailable

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

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Tesla Model Ys of this age

This list covers every Tesla Model Y built around 2022, 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

    25.6%
    Advisory: 11,240Fail: 847 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    11.4%
    Advisory: 4,359Fail: 760 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.3%
    Advisory: 1,830Fail: 1,774 (49% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    8.9%
    Advisory: 1,756Fail: 1,721 (49% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    5.4%
    Advisory: 2,152Fail: 2 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 25,363 tests

Looking at a Tesla Model Y Mk1?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Tesla Model Y Mk1 (2021-2024) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 25,363 3-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 25,363 MOT tests on Tesla Model Ys first registered between 2021-2024. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.