Germany’s annual vehicle inspection results are in, and Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 have once again claimed the bottom spots for reliability. The 2026 report from TÜV, the country’s rigorous car-check organization, assessed nearly 9.5 million vehicles between July 2024 and June 2025, revealing a concerning trend for the American EV maker.
Model Y and Model 3: Consistent Underperformance
The Model Y, the worst-performing vehicle in the 2-to-3-year-old category, had a defect rate of 17.3%. This means roughly one in six cars failed the mandatory Hauptuntersuchung safety check. The Model 3 wasn’t far behind, with a 13.1% defect rate. For context, a Mini Cooper SE showed only a 3.5% failure rate, highlighting the stark difference.
The most frequent issues in Tesla vehicles included problems with the axle assembly, suspension, brakes, and lighting. These findings aren’t isolated incidents; the Model 3 has been at the bottom of this list for three consecutive years.
Rising Overall Failure Rates
Beyond Tesla’s struggles, the overall trend shows a deterioration in vehicle reliability across all brands. A total of 21.5% of inspected cars exhibited significant or dangerous defects, a 0.9% increase from the previous year. Minor defects also rose, with 12.3% of vehicles showing issues. This suggests broader systemic problems beyond specific manufacturers.
Other Problematic Vehicles
While Tesla dominated the worst performers list, other brands also faced scrutiny. BMW’s 5- and 6-series, the Dacia Duster, and the Renault Clio were identified as unreliable vehicles in specific age groups.
Volkswagen and Mercedes Lead in Reliability
On the positive side, Volkswagen emerged as a leader in reliability for older vehicles. The VW Golf wagon, T-Roc, and Touareg consistently performed well in the 4-7 and 10+ year-old categories. Mercedes-Benz also took the top spot for long-term quality, with an 18.5% defect rate in vehicles aged 10 years or older. This is a crucial metric as it reflects how well vehicles hold up over time.
Winners by Segment: EVs Can Be Reliable, Too
The report also highlighted winners in various segments. Fiat’s 500e topped the small EV category, proving that electric cars don’t have to be unreliable. The Mazda 2 and BMW 1-series were commended for small and compact cars, while the Mercedes C-Class excelled in the mid-range.
Implications and Future Trends
The TÜV report underscores a growing concern about quality control in the automotive industry, particularly among newer EV manufacturers. The high defect rates in Tesla vehicles suggest potential manufacturing or design flaws that need addressing. The rising overall failure rates indicate that aging infrastructure and stricter inspection standards are putting pressure on all automakers.
The TÜV data is critical because Germany’s vehicle inspections are notoriously stringent, and these results reflect real-world reliability, not just marketing hype.
This trend may influence consumer behavior, driving buyers toward brands with proven track records of durability. The industry will likely respond with increased testing, improved materials, and refined manufacturing processes to avoid further scrutiny.
