At a Glance
Tesla has 11 identified common problems across 5 models, with the Model 3 being the most affected model and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 190K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Tesla common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 190K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Tesla models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tesla Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Most Common Tesla MOT Failures
Every reason Tesla vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 52.33% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 13.94% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.66% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.67% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.13% |
| 6 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.81% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.85% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.41% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.36% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 1.19% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 1.18% |
| 12 | Headlamp fault | 1.07% |
| 13 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.02% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 0.89% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 0.70% |
| 16 | Airbag warning light on | 0.56% |
| 17 | Stop lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 18 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.44% |
| 19 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.43% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.43% |
| 21 | Seat belt condition | 0.40% |
| 22 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.38% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 0.36% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.29% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 27 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 28 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.21% |
| 29 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.19% |
| 30 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.19% |
| 31 | Driver door fault | 0.17% |
| 32 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.16% |
| 33 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 34 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.15% |
| 36 | Front passenger door fault | 0.13% |
| 37 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.12% |
| 38 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.12% |
| 39 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 40 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.11% |
| 41 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 42 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 43 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 44 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 45 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 46 | ABS fault | 0.08% |
| 47 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 48 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 49 | Steering rack fault | 0.06% |
| 50 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.05% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 52 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.04% |
| 53 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 54 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 55 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 56 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 57 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.02% |
| 58 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 59 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 60 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 61 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 62 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 63 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 64 | Wheel hub fault | 0.01% |
| 65 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 66 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.01% |
| 67 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 68 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 69 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 71 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 72 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 73 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 74 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 75 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 77 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 78 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 79 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 80 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 81 | Tyre valve stem damaged | <0.01% |
| 82 | Headlamp aim defect | <0.01% |
| 83 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 84 | Body corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 85 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 86 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 87 | Fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 88 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 90 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Rear lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 92 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 94 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 95 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 97 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 98 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 99 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 99 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Tesla MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Tesla, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Tesla problems?
Based on analysis of 190K Tesla MOT tests from DVSA data, Tesla has 11 identified common problems across 5 models. The Tesla Model 3 has the most recorded problems. Tyres & Wheels issues are the most common category.
Which Tesla model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Tesla Model 3 has the highest count with 5 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Tesla models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Tesla?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Tesla owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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