Tesla's Model Y has been named the most defective car in Germany for 2025, according to the TÜV report, which inspects millions of vehicles annually. The Model Y, aged between two and three years, showed a serious defect rate of 17.3 percent, the highest among all vehicles in that category. Main problem areas include the suspension, braking system, and lighting equipment, all crucial for safe daily driving. This defect rate surpasses that of its sibling, the Model 3, which held the worst reliability spot for the two previous years.
The increasing defect trend is notable in Germany, with nearly one in five vehicles failing their initial inspection. Older models from brands like BMW, Dacia, and Renault also show significant issues, but Tesla’s model stands out for such an early and high failure rate. This highlights a potential gap between Tesla's cutting-edge software capabilities and the mechanical reliability expected in conventional automotive engineering.
While Tesla may push the envelope on innovation, these results suggest the hardware components of the Model Y struggle with durability, affecting driver experience and safety perceptions. This report poses questions about whether Tesla’s rapid development pace compromises core mechanical quality. Meanwhile, traditional automakers like Mercedes are recognized for longer-term reliability, with their models aged ten years and older showing defect rates comparable to new Teslas.
The 2025 TÜV inspection data reveals the Tesla Model Y's significant reliability issues in Germany, sparking debate on the balance between software-driven features and mechanical robustness in electric vehicles today.
