Tesla Model Y Ranked the Most Unreliable Car in Germany — TÜV Report 2025

Germany’s TÜV technical inspection authority has released its 2025 reliability report — and the Tesla Model Y has been ranked as the least reliable vehicle in the country among cars of the same age group.

The annual TÜV Report analyzes millions of vehicle inspections, identifying real-world defects found during mandatory roadworthiness checks at certified stations across Germany.

What Problems Were Most Common

According to TÜV data, the Model Y showed a significantly above-average defect rate. The most frequently detected issues include:

• Suspension and steering component failures

• Brake system problems, often linked to low mechanical brake usage in EVs

• Electronics and sensor faults, including driver-assistance systems

• Build-quality inconsistencies in mechanical components

TÜV experts note that many of the issues are unrelated to the electric drivetrain, but rather to overall assembly quality and mechanical durability.

A Sharp Contrast With Expectations

EVs are widely considered more reliable due to having fewer moving parts. However, the Model Y’s bottom-ranked performance sharply contrasts with this general expectation.

For comparison, other electric crossovers such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and BMW iX1 performed significantly better, landing in the upper half of the TÜV reliability rankings.

Tesla’s Response

Tesla has not issued an official statement regarding the report. Owner discussions online suggest that the issues may be influenced by:

• build variations at the Berlin Gigafactory,

• high-mileage usage typical in Germany,

• Tesla’s software-first approach, sometimes overshadowing mechanical quality checks.

What It Means for Consumers

This TÜV ranking may impact:

• Resale value — used Model Y prices in Germany could drop;

• Insurance risk assessments — insurers may raise premiums for the model;

• Brand perception — especially in Europe, where TÜV ratings strongly influence buyer decisions.

Despite this, the Tesla Model Y remains one of the best-selling electric SUVs in Europe, and analysts expect Tesla to strengthen quality control measures at Gigafactory Berlin.

The Tesla Model Y has been ranked as Germany’s most unreliable vehicle in the 2025 TÜV reliability report. Inspectors recorded unusually high defect rates in suspension, brakes, sensors, and overall build quality, putting Tesla behind rivals like Hyundai and Volkswagen. The findings may affect resale values, insurance rates, and Tesla’s European reputation — making this one of the most influential EV news stories of the year.