Used car guide · 2022–2026

Tesla Model Y common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Tesla Model Y, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 36,443 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Tesla Model Y

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Tesla Model Y as a whole.

15,357registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Electricfuel type
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20262025202420232022

What usually goes wrong with a Tesla Model Y?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Electronic glitches and faulty sensors

    Cars registered 2022–2025 · 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

    Cars registered 2022–2025 · 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

Common Tesla Model Y MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

  • Ball joint

    up to 11.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2022 and 2023.

    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 joints

    up to 9.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2022 and 2023.

    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.

  • Tyre condition

    up to 1.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2022.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Tread depth

    up to 1.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2022.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Tesla Model Y MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2023 Tesla Model Y did best (91% passed first time, 1 point below all 2023 cars) and the 2022 did worst (84%, 5 points below all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202391%92% -12,899
202284%89% -533,544

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 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 11.3× as often on the Tesla Model Y as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 9.3× as often on the Tesla Model Y as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the Tesla Model Y as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Tesla Model Y?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score