2014 Tesla Model S Electric · RF14 OBX
2014 Tesla Model S (electric). First registered 06 Aug 2014. Recorded mileage 144,892 miles. MOT expired on 22 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- TESLA MODEL S
- Year / Origin
- 2014 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,892 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.
RF14 OBX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/09/2025
- 144,892 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RF14 OBX 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 (RF14 OBX) between September 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 September 2025 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 (6 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
RF14 OBX Mileage History
- 16/09/202295,291 mi
- 04/09/2023113,465 mi+18,174 mi
- 30/08/2024130,067 mi+16,602 mi
- 15/09/2025144,322 mi+14,255 mi
- 24/09/2025144,892 mi+570 mi
Average of roughly 16,409 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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 caution. While the vehicle
Focus your attention on the chassis and suspension. The MOT history from September 2025 specifically identifies play in the rear upper suspension arm ball joints and a distorted offside rear wheel. You should confirm whether these components were fully replaced or if the vehicle is still running on parts that are merely 'within limits'.
Given the mileage of 144,892, request detailed records of any battery capacity tests or firmware updates. While MOTs do not cover battery health, the high mileage makes this a critical point for negotiation. Ensure all service intervals have been met, particularly for the coolant system and brake fluid, which are essential for long-term reliability in early Model S vehicles.
As an electric vehicle, daily energy costs are significantly lower than internal combustion alternatives, though efficiency may vary given the vehicle's age. It currently benefits from the zero-rate EV road tax, although buyers should be aware of upcoming UK tax changes for electric vehicles.
Insurance groups for the Model S are typically high due to the car's performance and the cost of specialised parts. Maintenance costs can be unpredictable on high-mileage examples, particularly regarding the replacement of expensive tyres and suspension components. Estimated annual running costs, including insurance, energy, and maintenance, are approximately £1,200-£1,600.
Perform a detailed inspection of the rear suspension. The September 2025 MOT records highlight play in both the nearside and offside rear upper suspension arm ball joints, as well as a distorted offside rear wheel. Verify that these have been rectified and that the wheel alignment is correct to prevent premature tyre wear.
Inspect the tyres closely; the MOT history notes cuts to the nearside rear tyre and warns that both rear tyres are worn close to the legal limit. Check for uneven wear which could indicate ongoing suspension issues. Additionally, check the offside rear inner position lamp, which was noted as partially non-functioning in the recent MOT cycle.
This blue 2014 Tesla Model S has covered 144,892 miles, which is above the model average. While it recorded no defects in its 2022, 2023, and 2024 MOT tests, the most recent cycle in September 2025 involved a failure and subsequent pass with several advisories. These issues primarily concern the suspension and tyre condition, which is consistent with the model's aggregate failure data.
The Model S has an average MOT pass rate of 86.4%, with tyres and suspension arms listed as top reasons for failure.
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
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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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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