Is Tesla reliable?
81% of the 65 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~189k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles65
Teslas inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections73/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 65 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
32%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
20%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
11%
Vibration · Drivetrain
11%
Electronic components issues · Engine
8%
Share of inspected Teslas where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 32%
Good 49%
Mediocre 17%
Poor 2%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Teslas.
65%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 ~189k 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.
The bottom line
These cars stay decent deep into high mileage, typically not dipping until 189,000 miles, so don't dismiss a well-used example out of hand. Focus your inspection on the tires first since wear is the most common issue, then scan for active error codes that show up often in the electronics. Inspect the suspension bushings for cracks or tears and take a test drive to check for vibration in the drivetrain. Those problems give you solid ground to negotiate a better price or walk away if the seller ignores them.
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 (32%), active error codes (20%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (11%).
Thinking of buying a Tesla? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 65 inspections · updated Aug 22, 2026
