2014 Tesla Model S Electric · 12 TES
2014 Tesla Model S (electric). First registered 20 Jun 2014. Recorded mileage 125,045 miles. MOT valid until 06 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- TESLA MODEL S
- Year / Origin
- 2014
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,045 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Exempt (Zero Emissions)
- Fuel & Engine
- Electric
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
12 TES Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/06/2026
- 125,045 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
12 TES MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2014 Tesla Model S (12 TES) between June 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (8 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Inner Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Inner Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”.
12 TES Mileage History
- 12/06/202391,683 mi
- 24/06/2024105,126 mi+13,443 mi
- 11/06/2025118,588 mi+13,462 mi
- 16/06/2026125,045 mi+6,457 mi
- 17/06/2026125,045 mi
Average of roughly 11,067 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Tesla Model S
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. This v
Prioritise a professional inspection of the suspension and tyres. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of tyre damage, including cuts reaching the cords and uneven wear on inner shoulders, which may indicate alignment issues. You should negotiate the price based on the immediate need for a full set of tyres, as the June 2026 failure highlighted multiple defects across all four tyres.
Ask for evidence of recent suspension work. With recorded issues involving upper wishbones rubbing on liners and ball joint play in previous years, it is vital to ensure these have been professionally rectified rather than just patched. Ensure the service history includes any high-voltage battery health checks, as this is a 12-year-old electric vehicle with high mileage.
Running costs for this Tesla Model S are primarily driven by electricity consumption and tyre replacement. Given the high mileage and the recent MOT failure regarding four tyres, tyre costs will be a significant factor in your budget. Electric vehicles generally benefit from lower 'fuel' costs compared to petrol equivalents, but high-performance tyres for this model can be expensive.
Insurance groups for the Model S tend to be high, and you should obtain a specific quote. Maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the recorded history of suspension component wear (wishbones and ball joints). Estimated annual running costs, including electricity, insurance, and typical maintenance, are approximately £1,800-£2,400.
Focus heavily on the tyres and wheel alignment. The June 2026 failure noted tyres being 'worn very smooth on inner shoulders' and several tyres having cuts deep enough to reach the ply or cords. This suggests either poor driving habits or, more likely, incorrect wheel alignment that is scrubbing the tyres.
Examine the suspension components closely. Previous MOT records from 2023 and 2025 noted play in the front lower suspension arm ball joint and upper wishbones showing signs of rubbing on inner arch liners. Check for any unusual knocking sounds when driving over bumps and inspect the wheel arches for signs of contact from suspension movement. Finally, check the condition of the windscreen, as it has been recorded as damaged in two separate MOT tests (2023 and 2024).
This 2014 Grey Tesla Model S has covered 125,045 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 10,770 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of tyre-related failures and advisories, most recently resulting in a failure in June 2026 due to multiple damaged and worn tyres. While the most recent test was a pass, the vehicle's history suggests frequent maintenance needs regarding consumables and suspension components.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 86.4% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being tyres, anti-roll bars, and suspension arms.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: TESLA MODEL S
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- MCU1 eMMC Memory Failure (Recall 21V035)(Moderate)
The main touchscreen unit (MCU1) uses an 8GB eMMC chip that has a finite lifespan, eventually leading to system instability or total failure. Tesla issued a voluntary recall (21V035) to upgrade the chip to 64GB.
- Suspension Control Arm Creaking(Moderate)
The front and rear suspension control arms (wishbones) can develop a loud creaking or squeaking noise, particularly when turning or going over bumps, caused by water ingress into the ball joints.
- Drive Unit "Milling" Noise(Serious)
An internal bearing failure in the drive unit can cause a high-pitched whirring or "milling" noise that increases with vehicle speed.
- Air Suspension Leaks(Moderate)
The air suspension struts or compressor can fail, causing the car to sag or display suspension fault messages.
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TESLA MODEL S Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2014 model year cars.
- MCU1 eMMC Memory Failure (Recall 21V035)Moderate
The main touchscreen unit (MCU1) uses an 8GB eMMC chip that has a finite lifespan, eventually leading to system instability or total failure. Tesla issued a voluntary recall (21V035) to upgrade the chip to 64GB.
- Suspension Control Arm CreakingModerate
The front and rear suspension control arms (wishbones) can develop a loud creaking or squeaking noise, particularly when turning or going over bumps, caused by water ingress into the ball joints.
- Drive Unit "Milling" NoiseSerious
An internal bearing failure in the drive unit can cause a high-pitched whirring or "milling" noise that increases with vehicle speed.
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