2018 Tesla Model S Electric · TE55 LSS

The vehicle’s most recent MOT history demonstrates a stable but narrowly avoided failure trend, with a critical oversight in the November 2025 test cycle. The December 2025 pass at 50,422 miles followed a failure just five days earlier at 50,399 miles, suggesting either a last-minute correction or a genuine near-miss on a recurring issue. No defects were recorded on either occasion, which implies either a minor, easily rectified fault or a tester’s oversight in capturing critical observations. The preceding tests in 2024 and 2023 also passed without failings, indicating no clear pattern of worsening mechanical concerns. However, the proximity of the 2025 failure to the pass date raises caution—buyers should verify whether any advisory notes were missed or if the vehicle underwent unrecorded maintenance between tests. Mileage progression reveals a consistent but moderate usage pattern, averaging around 6,300 miles annually over the vehicle’s lifespan. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests spans 10,064 miles in 12 months, while the 2023–2024 interval covers 7,946 miles, suggesting no prolonged periods of neglect or excessive wear. The 2025 cycle, however, shows an abrupt jump from 36,227 to 50,422 miles in just over a year—an increase of 14,195 miles—which could imply either recent high-mileage use or an inaccurate odometer reset. Without a service history, it’s impossible to confirm whether critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have been replaced or inspected at intervals recommended for this mileage. Given the lack of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear items that often fail silently or degrade over time. Tesla Model S vehicles of this age are prone to suspension wear, particularly in the rear coil springs and bushings, which can lead to uneven ride height or binding calipers—conditions that might not always trigger an MOT failure but compromise handling. The braking system, including rear disc wear and potential corrosion in the wheel arches, should be scrutinised, especially if the vehicle has seen varied road conditions. Additionally, the electrical and software-dependent systems (common in Teslas) warrant verification of any recent software updates or advisory recalls, as these can address critical safety or emissions-related faults. The absence of corrosion advisories in the MOT record does not guarantee structural integrity—buyers must inspect wheel arches, sills, and underbody for hidden rust, particularly if the vehicle has been exposed to salted roads or poor storage conditions.