The TÜV Report 2026, published on November 20, delivers a sobering assessment of Tesla's build quality. Based on 9.5 million roadworthiness inspections conducted in Germany between July 2024 and June 2025, the report ranks the Model Y dead last among all tested vehicles — and the Model 3 second to last.
The Findings
The Model Y recorded a defect rate of 17.3% among vehicles aged two to three years, making it the worst result in a decade of TÜV reporting. The Model 3 followed close behind at 13.1%. For context, the best-performing EV — the Mini Cooper SE — scored just 3.5%, and the Audi Q4 e-tron came in at 4.0%.
| Model | Defect Rate | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Cooper SE | 3.5% | Best EV |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | 4.0% | 2nd best EV |
| Tesla Model 3 | 13.1% | 2nd worst overall |
| Tesla Model Y | 17.3% | Worst overall |
What Goes Wrong
The TÜV identified three main problem areas across both Tesla models:
Suspension system: Axle suspension faults were the most common issue, contributing significantly to the high defect rates. This includes worn ball joints, damaged tie rods, and play in wheel bearings.
Braking system: Brake disc wear was flagged as a persistent problem. Tesla vehicles use regenerative braking heavily, which means the mechanical brakes see less frequent use — paradoxically leading to corrosion and uneven wear on the discs.
Lighting: Issues with headlamp alignment and functioning were noted, though these were less frequent than suspension and brake problems.
European Perspective
The TÜV inspection is a legal requirement for all vehicles registered in Germany, making the dataset comprehensive rather than self-selecting. The results carry weight with both regulators and the used-car market, where a poor TÜV reputation directly affects resale values.
For current Tesla owners in Germany, the practical takeaway is clear: inspect brake discs regularly even if regenerative braking handles most stopping duties, and pay attention to suspension noises or uneven tyre wear. Scheduling a pre-TÜV check at a Tesla Service Centre before the mandatory inspection can help catch issues early.
The report does note that electric vehicles as a category perform well overall — Tesla's poor showing is an outlier rather than an indictment of EV technology. Whether Tesla addresses these quality concerns in newer production batches from Giga Berlin remains to be seen.