Older Tesla models, particularly the Model S and Model X, are associated with higher rates of repair claims compared to other used electric vehicles, according to an analysis by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG). The data, which examined warranty claims from hundreds of thousands of used car owners in Britain between May 2025 and April 2026, found that 34.8% of Tesla Model S owners made a repair claim in the 12-month period, with an average cost of £1,012. The Tesla Model X followed with a 29.2% claim rate and an average cost of £647.

In contrast, more affordable electric cars like the Renault Zoe and BMW i3 demonstrated significantly lower claim rates, at 1.5% and 2.2% respectively. The average claim value for a Renault Zoe was £130, and for a BMW i3, it was £264.

WSG's report highlighted that the issues are not primarily with batteries, which are often covered by longer manufacturer warranties. Instead, the most frequent and costly repairs for electric vehicles stem from charging system faults and complex electronics. Central locking issues were the most common fault, accounting for 4.29% of claims, followed by charge flap actuators (3.6%) and charger ports (2.1%). Charger port repairs, though less frequent, generated the highest average bills at £1,882.

Dennis Brett, WSG's claims director, stated that the findings underscore the variability in EV reliability, advising consumers to assess models individually rather than treating EVs as a monolithic category. "Reliability, repair severity and long-term ownership costs can vary significantly between vehicles," Brett said.

Luxury Mercedes models also appeared on the list of EVs with higher claim rates, with the EQV people carrier at 33.3% and the EQB SUV at 25.7%. The Tesla Model Y, however, was noted as the fifth most reliable EV in the study, with a 3.3% claim rate.

Separate analysis by AX (Accident Exchange) indicated that electric vehicles, on average, have repair costs 19% higher than internal combustion engine cars and spend 9% longer in workshops following an accident. This is partly attributed to the specialized diagnostics and high-voltage expertise required for EV repairs, as well as a growing shortage of qualified technicians. The Institute of the Motor Industry forecasts a significant shortfall of EV-qualified technicians in the coming years.

Tesla UK declined to comment on the findings when contacted by the Daily Mail and This is Money.