Known Tesla problems at the APK

• Model S 2013–2022 · 17.7% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.9%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 12.0% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.9%)
• Model 3 2019–2026 · 11.3% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.9%)
• Model Y 2020–2026 · 10.3% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.4%)

Listen for clunks or knocks over speed bumps on the test drive. The car should not wander when braking.

• Model S 2013–2022 · 20.8% at 5–6 yrs (national 7.7%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 17.7% at 5–6 yrs (national 8.0%)
• Model Y 2020–2026 · 14.6% at 3–4 yrs (national 6.3%)
• Model 3 2019–2026 · 15.4% at 5–6 yrs (national 7.7%)

Walk around with the lights, indicators, brake lights and rear fog light on. Look for moisture in the headlights.

• Model X 2016–2022 · 7.0% at 9–10 yrs (national 2.8%)
• Model 3 2019–2026 · 3.4% at 7–8 yrs (national 1.5%)
• Model S 2013–2022 · 4.4% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.8%)
• Model Y 2020–2026 · 1.2% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.6%)

Look through the wheel at the discs: no deep grooves or thick rust edge. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stay straight.

• Model 3 2019–2026 · 12.0% at 7–8 yrs (national 5.2%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 9.7% at 9–10 yrs (national 5.7%)
• Model S 2013–2022 · 10.0% at 11–12 yrs (national 6.7%)

Check the tread and look for uneven wear: that points to an alignment problem. The DOT code on the tyre tells its age.

• Model S 2013–2022 · 10.3% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.5%)
• Model 3 2019–2026 · 2.0% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.3%)
• Model Y 2020–2026 · 1.7% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.3%)

Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.

• Model S 2013–2022 · 4.6% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.2%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 2.5% at 9–10 yrs (national 0.4%)

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

• Model S 2013–2022 · 3.3% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.2%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 0.4% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.1%)

Open and close all doors and the tailgate. Uneven gaps and colour differences point to accident repair.

• Model S 2013–2022 · 1.7% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.3%)
• Model X 2016–2022 · 1.7% at 9–10 yrs (national 0.7%)

Look behind the front wheels at the rubber boots: no tears or grease around them. Drive a tight turn: no clicking noise.

• Model X 2016–2022 · 5.2% at 5–6 yrs (national 3.3%)

Look for chips and cracks especially in the driver’s field of view. Test the wipers and washers.