2017 Tesla Model X — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 11,477 MOT tests analysed for the 2017 Tesla Model X, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, visibility and suspension. Its pass rate of 85.3% was below the average for cars of a similar age (87.5%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 19.8% in the 150k+ group versus 12.2% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 10.2% | 1,170 |
| 2 | Visibility | 2.2% | 248 |
| 3 | Suspension | 2.1% | 247 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.9% | 215 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 1.1% | 127 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 0.9% | 99 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth | 519 |
| 2 | Wipers | 222 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 144 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 110 |
| 5 | Registration plates | 109 |
| 6 | Tyre pressure monitoring system | 99 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 26.8% | 3,080 |
| 2 | Brakes | 18.8% | 2,159 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.1% | 930 |
| 4 | Other defects | 5.5% | 636 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.2% | 369 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 2.0% | 233 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 1,794 | 12.2% |
| 30-60k | 4,781 | 13.2% |
| 60-90k | 3,249 | 16.3% |
| 90-120k | 1,072 | 18.0% |
| 120-150k | 351 | 18.5% |
| 150k+ | 207 | 19.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,188 | 11.4% |
| 2022 | 2,269 | 13.3% |
| 2023 | 2,310 | 14.3% |
| 2024 | 2,331 | 16.6% |
| 2025 | 2,379 | 17.4% |
What to check before buying a 2017 Model X
Before buying a 2017 Tesla Model X, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 10.2% of tests for this year.
- Tyres (10.2% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Visibility (2.2% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Suspension (2.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2017 Tesla Model Xs pass their MOT?
85.3% of the 11,477 2017 Tesla Model X MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 14.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2017 Tesla Model X?
Tyres, recorded in 10.2% of tests, followed by visibility (2.2%).
Does the 2017 Model X get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.2% in the 0-30k band to 19.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 11,477 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.