Is Tesla reliable?
80% of the 75 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~197k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles75
Teslas inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections73/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 75 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
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
19%
Vibration · Drivetrain
11%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
9%
Abnormal noise · Suspension
8%
Share of inspected Teslas where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 35%
Good 45%
Mediocre 19%
Poor 1%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Teslas.
64%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 ~197k 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
33 cars · 78% good
Model S
15 cars · profile soon
Model X
13 cars · profile soon
Model Y
11 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2022 Tesla Model 3 · 110k mi — flagged: high voltage battery condition, tire pressure monitoring system, worn suspension joints. Inspected Sep 30.
2021 Tesla Model S · 22k mi — flagged: high voltage battery condition, fan bearing, door locks. Inspected Sep 30.
The bottom line
Mileage is a weak reason to pass on a Tesla; condition typically holds until around 197,000 miles, longer than any other brand we rank. Start with the tires, then a live electronics scan for active error codes, and a test drive that hunts vibration and clunks from torn bushings. Expect some respray and use it to negotiate, but treat structural repair as a real red flag. If codes are already present or the ride feels noisy and shaky, walk. If those checks come back clean, you are looking at a car whose bones can still go a long way.
FAQ
?
?
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 (33%), active error codes (19%), vibration (11%).
Thinking of buying a Tesla? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
Book an inspection
Based on 75 inspections · updated Oct 1, 2026
