Is Tesla reliable?
81% of the 68 Teslas we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 73/100 — they tend to be in noticeably better shape than the typical used car we inspect.
#1 of 24
Longevity rankthe longest-lasting brand we track~190k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles68
Teslas inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections73/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 68 used Teslas we inspected, they tend to be in noticeably better shape than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 73/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
35%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
19%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
10%
Vibration · Drivetrain
10%
Electronic components issues · Engine
7%
Share of inspected Teslas where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 34%
Good 47%
Mediocre 18%
Poor 1%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Teslas.
63%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
Compare with another brand:
Cross-shopping? Tesla vs BMW · Tesla vs Lexus · Tesla vs Mercedes
How long does a Tesla last?
Across every Tesla body style we've inspected — sedans, SUVs and anything else pooled together — the average one's condition dips below decent (a 55/100 score) around ~190k miles. It ranks Tesla #1 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate — the longest-lasting brand we track. Shopping a Tesla near that mileage? Expect more wear ahead — see which makes give the best odds at your budget.
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
Share of Teslas in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
Tesla models we've inspected
Model 3
32 cars · 78% good
Model X
12 cars · profile soon
Model S
11 cars · profile soon
Model Y
10 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2023 Tesla Model Y · 28k mi — flagged: tires condition & wear, windshield wiper, windshield washer. Inspected Sep 9.
2024 Tesla Model Y · 27k mi — flagged: front vehicle controller — coolant pump control, tires condition & wear, front camera. Inspected Sep 8.
The bottom line
Teslas keep rolling in decent shape longer than the rest of the field, typically not falling off until around 190,000 miles, so a high-mileage example is not an automatic pass. The stuff that will actually cost you is worn tires and live error codes on a scan, with cracked suspension bushings and drivetrain vibration showing up often enough to matter. Get a full tire check and a diagnostic scan first; if the rubber is shot or codes are active, use that to negotiate hard or walk. Feel for vibration and inspect the bushings on the test drive before you commit.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with a used Tesla?
Across the Teslas we inspected, the items we flag most often are tires condition & wear (35%), active error codes (19%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (10%).
Thinking of buying a Tesla? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 68 inspections · updated Sep 11, 2026
