2020 Tesla Model X — MOT failures & pass rate
4,715 MOT tests on the 2020 Tesla Model X are in this dataset, and 84.5% of them passed. Against large SUVs of a similar age (9.4% fail rate), the 2020 Model X comes out 6.1pp worse. Failures cluster in tyres, suspension and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 12.0% of all tests — 9.6 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are tread depth, pins and bushes and wipers — tread depth alone was recorded 230 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 14.1% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 21.6% once past 120-150k.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 28.0% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 14.9% of tests failed in 2023 against 16.7% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 12.0% | 565 |
| 2 | Suspension | 2.4% | 113 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.0% | 93 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.0% | 49 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 1.0% | 47 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.9% | 40 |
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 | 230 |
| 2 | Pins and bushes | 77 |
| 3 | Wipers | 62 |
| 4 | Ball joint | 49 |
| 5 | Washers | 45 |
| 6 | Joints | 43 |
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 | 28.0% | 1,321 |
| 2 | Brakes | 8.9% | 418 |
| 3 | Suspension | 7.0% | 329 |
| 4 | Other defects | 5.1% | 240 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 3.6% | 172 |
| 6 | Visibility | 2.9% | 135 |
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 | 1,374 | 14.1% |
| 30-60k | 2,465 | 15.7% |
| 60-90k | 681 | 17.5% |
| 90-120k | 146 | 13.0% |
| 120-150k | 37 | 21.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,385 | 14.9% |
| 2024 | 1,620 | 14.7% |
| 2025 | 1,696 | 16.7% |
What to check before buying a 2020 Model X
On a 2020 Model X, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 12.0% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (12.0% 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.
- Suspension (2.4% 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.
- Visibility (2.0% 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.
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 2020 Tesla Model Xs pass their MOT?
84.5% of the 4,715 2020 Tesla Model X MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 15.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2020 Tesla Model X?
Tyres, recorded in 12.0% of tests, followed by suspension (2.4%).
Does the 2020 Model X get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 14.1% in the 0-30k band to 21.6% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 4,715 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.