Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

How many 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

25% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD reliable?

Based on MOT data from 662 vehicles, the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD has a first-time MOT pass rate of 86.8%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Tesla Model S Long Range AWD (2020)

662 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86.8% first-time pass rate

2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD

CarHunch analysed 662 real MOT records for the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD passes its MOT on first attempt 85.7% of the time, comfortably beating the UK average of 80%, which is a solid result. However, one in four of these cars (25.4%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is notably high and warrants a pre-purchase inspection by a Tesla specialist.

At an average mileage of 47,787 miles, these four-year-old cars are running close to typical wear patterns. The low failure rate of 0.57 per vehicle reflects the Tesla's relative simplicity compared to combustion engines, but the 2.7 advisories per car suggest minor maintenance items are still cropping up—check the detailed service history and specifically review any previous dangerous defect records before committing to a purchase.

The 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD has a decent first-time pass rate (86.8%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

86.8%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

25.4%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.57

Over 3.6 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

43k

Middle half: 31k–61k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 86.8% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 662 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 662 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD cars.

Before you buy a 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD

Based on MOT data from 662 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 25.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 951 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 29.7%

282

Black 19.7%

187

Blue 19.6%

186

White 18.8%

179

Red 12.3%

117

Mileage Distribution

Most 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

42,925

typical

30,568

low mileage

61,418

high mileage

Half of all 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD vehicles fall between 30,568 and 61,418 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 30,568 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 30,568–61,418 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWDs sit.

⚠ Over 82,914 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD — Still on the Road

Almost all 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWDs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 617 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.

MOT History Averages

3.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.57

Avg failures per vehicle

2.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Tesla Model S Long Range AWD: All Model S Long Range AWD years → Which year to buy? →

2019

Or browse all models: Tesla →

Compare with another model

See how the 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing