2018 Tesla Model X Electricity · W22 JAD

The mechanical story of this Tesla Model X across five recorded DVSA tests is one of strong, consistent roadworthiness at the annual inspection, anchored by a single but serious event in September 2023. That test resulted in a failure with three Dangerous defects recorded against the nearside and offside front tyres, covering tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit on both sides and exposed ply or cords on the offside front, alongside a Major notice that brake performance could not be assessed due to the dangerous condition of those tyres. A re-test two days later, on 21 September 2023, returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, and every subsequent annual test in September 2024, September 2025 and most recently 24 August 2026 has passed with no advisories or defects entered. The pattern is therefore one of a one-off, acute tyre-related incident that was rectified immediately, rather than any chronic or progressive deterioration across braking, suspension, steering, lighting, exhaust or structure. Usage over the vehicle's eight-year life sits at 63,923 recorded miles, giving an annual accumulation of roughly 7,990 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and means there has been no extended period of standing off the road that might raise concerns about seized brakes, deteriorated dampers or 12V battery issues. The mileage progression between tests shows steady, incremental gains of around five to ten thousand miles per year, with no sudden jumps that would imply heavy motorway use, towing, or commercial-style utilisation, and no multi-year gaps that would suggest the vehicle was laid up. At this accumulation rate the brake discs, pads, drive units, suspension bushes and tyres are likely to have seen normal wear rather than the accelerated consumption associated with high-mileage cars, which is consistent with the absence of any component advisories on the four most recent passes. For a prospective buyer, the practical priority is to satisfy themselves that the 2023 tyre failure was genuinely a one-off and that the current set of tyres, including any that may have been replaced since, are in good order. On inspection, check the tread depth across the full width of all four tyres with a proper gauge rather than relying on treadwear indicators, look closely for any cuts, bulges, uneven shoulder wear or exposed cord on the inner as well as outer sidewalls, and confirm the tyres are of matching make, model and at least the original specified size and load rating. On a test drive, listen for any rotational thump or vibration through the steering wheel that could indicate a deformed sidewall or wheel imbalance, and feel for any pulling to one side under acceleration or braking that might point to a binding caliper or a tyre that is no longer running true. Beyond the tyres, the rest of the inspection should focus on the Model X's known wear items, given that the MOT history is silent on them. Check the condition of the brake discs and pads through the wheels for lipping on the disc edges, corrosion pitting on the friction surfaces, and pad material thickness, as well as the operation of the electronic park brake and any signs of a binding caliper such as uneven pad wear or a wheel that runs hotter than the others after driving. Inspect the underside and suspension arms, control arms, anti-roll bar links and drop links for any perished bushes, cracked boots or oil weeping from the air suspension struts, which are a known wear point on this model, and listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces. Finally, verify the operation of the falcon-wing doors, tailgate, charging port flap, windscreen wipers, all exterior lighting including the LED headlamp units, the climate control system and the touchscreen functionality, as none of these are covered by the MOT but all are common failure points on a Model X of this age and mileage.