2018 Tesla Model X — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 7,773 MOT tests analysed for the 2018 Tesla Model X, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, visibility and suspension. Its pass rate of 85.5% was below the average for cars of a similar age (88.9%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 18.8% in the 150k+ group versus 10.4% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 10.9% | 844 |
| 2 | Visibility | 2.3% | 180 |
| 3 | Suspension | 1.6% | 125 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.4% | 105 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 1.0% | 78 |
| 6 | Other defects | 0.5% | 39 |
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 | 311 |
| 2 | Wipers | 152 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 95 |
| 4 | Washers | 65 |
| 5 | Headlamp aim | 65 |
| 6 | Registration plates | 54 |
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 | 28.3% | 2,200 |
| 2 | Brakes | 12.3% | 958 |
| 3 | Other defects | 7.1% | 554 |
| 4 | Suspension | 6.5% | 501 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.1% | 245 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 1.4% | 111 |
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 | 1,858 | 10.4% |
| 30-60k | 3,563 | 15.2% |
| 60-90k | 1,699 | 16.5% |
| 90-120k | 446 | 16.6% |
| 120-150k | 125 | 16.8% |
| 150k+ | 69 | 18.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,364 | 11.3% |
| 2022 | 1,533 | 12.7% |
| 2023 | 1,577 | 15.0% |
| 2024 | 1,644 | 16.7% |
| 2025 | 1,655 | 16.3% |
What to check before buying a 2018 Model X
Before buying a 2018 Tesla Model X, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 10.9% of tests for this year.
- Tyres (10.9% 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 (2.3% 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 (1.6% 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 2018 Tesla Model Xs pass their MOT?
85.5% of the 7,773 2018 Tesla Model X MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 14.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2018 Tesla Model X?
Tyres, recorded in 10.9% of tests, followed by visibility (2.3%).
Does the 2018 Model X get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.4% in the 0-30k band to 18.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 7,773 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.