Tesla beats Toyota in French reliability ranking: analysis

Tesla has just achieved an unprecedented feat in France that could change the perception of electric vehicles. On February 6, 2026, Auto Plus published its 2025 reliability ranking, and surprise: Tesla came in first place, surpassing Toyota, the undisputed global benchmark for decades.

This is a historic first. Never before has a 100% electric manufacturer surpassed thermal giants on this criterion, so closely scrutinized by motorists. How did Tesla achieve this feat? Does this ranking truly reflect vehicle reliability, or is it a methodological effect? And why does it differ so much from German evaluations that recently criticized the brand?

I will dissect these results, explain what they truly reveal, and highlight their limitations so you can form your own opinion.

Tesla surpasses Toyota: the Auto Plus 2025 ranking figures

The 2025 reliability ranking from Auto Plus thus places Tesla on the top step of the podium, closely followed by Toyota in second place. This ranking evaluates all types of powertrains combined: gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric are all treated equally.

The scope of the study is precise: vehicles registered since January 1, 2018, with less than 150,000 km on the odometer. Auto Plus analyzed early problems reported in 2025 by French owners, which provides a representative sample of the current vehicle fleet.

It’s important to understand that this is a national French ranking, based on the experience of French drivers. Elon Musk did not fail to celebrate this first on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that Toyota had until then been the undisputed benchmark for reliability.

This symbolic victory shows that electric vehicles can not only compete but also surpass internal combustion engines in an area long reserved for Japanese manufacturers.

A methodology focused on real reliability, not mechanical wear

To fully understand this result, we need to look at what Auto Plus actually measures. The study focuses on early defects and unexpected breakdowns, not on the normal wear of components.

This is a crucial difference from ADAC-type technical inspections, the German automotive organization. ADAC heavily penalizes the wear of consumables like brake discs or pads. Auto Plus, on the other hand, prioritizes structural failures and design problems that genuinely affect the Tesla owner experience.

This methodology naturally favors electric vehicles, and here’s why:

• Many fewer moving parts than a thermal engine (about 20 parts versus over 2000)
• Regenerative braking drastically reduces brake wear
• No complex gearbox, clutch, or exhaust system
• Fewer fluids to maintain (no engine oil, no complex coolant)

Why brake wear unfairly penalizes Teslas

On Teslas, thanks to regenerative braking, brakes wear up to 10 times slower than a thermal vehicle. I can personally attest to this: after 80,000 km, my pads are still at 70% of their capacity.

The paradox is that ADAC sometimes penalizes Teslas because their discs can rust from lack of use. This “wear from non-use” is not a breakdown per se; it’s simply the consequence of a braking system that is rarely engaged. Auto Plus does not count this type of problem, which better reflects the vehicle’s structural reliability.

What defects were identified on Teslas in France?

The main verdict of the study is reassuring: no major recurring defects were identified on Teslas circulating in France. That said, a few minor problems were reported.

The main problem mentioned concerns the suspension arms. These are isolated, non-systematic cases, and these repairs are covered by the Tesla 4-year or 80,000 km warranty. For affected owners, the coverage was therefore complete.

Among the minor problems reported:

• Occasional screen bugs, usually resolved by an over-the-air update
• The door handles, a known issue on older Tesla Model S and Model X (largely corrected on recent versions)
• Some cosmetic assembly issues reported upon delivery

These issues are minor in the studied sample. Even if Tesla comes out on top in this reliability ranking, I always recommend that you thoroughly check your vehicle upon delivery to ensure everything is in order from the start.

Why this ranking differs from German evaluations

If you follow Tesla news, you might have been surprised by this result. The ADAC, the German automotive organization, recently ranked the Model 3 and Model Y poorly in its evaluations. How can such a discrepancy be explained?

It all lies in the different methodology:

• ADAC = classic technical inspection that evaluates parts wear
• Auto Plus = analysis of actual breakdowns and design defects reported by owners

There is also a difference in market: the French car fleet is not identical to the German fleet. Usage conditions, maintenance, and even the versions of vehicles sold can vary. It should also be noted that the manufacturing origin can influence certain components: Teslas sold in Europe come from the Shanghai or Berlin factory, with sometimes minor variations in suppliers.

Finally, the analysis period and sample differ between these two studies. Auto Plus itself acknowledges the limitations of its study, and it is not a universal validation of Tesla across all markets.

The limitations of this study according to Auto Plus

Auto Plus itself urges caution in interpreting these results. The sample is limited to the French market, which does not allow for generalization to a European or global scale.

The observation period is also relatively short: only reports from 2025 were taken into account. This study therefore does not prejudge long-term reliability, especially beyond 150,000 km, a threshold at which certain electronic components or the battery could show signs of weakness.

What this result means for electric vehicles in France

This ranking represents a major symbolic turning point: for the first time, a 100% electric manufacturer beats internal combustion benchmarks on their own turf. The impact on the perception of electric vehicles could be significant.

This result directly combats the prejudice that “electric vehicles are less reliable.” It is validated on a real sample of French drivers, not on theoretical projections. With several years of hindsight (vehicles since 2018), we now have enough data to evaluate the real reliability of these technologies.

As a Tesla owner for several years, I indeed notice few mechanical issues on a daily basis. The owner experience is generally very positive, with maintenance reduced to the strict minimum. For those who wish to delve deeper, Auto Plus data is available in its entirety.

Let’s keep in mind, however, that a single ranking does not constitute an absolute truth. The coming years will confirm (or refute) this trend. Other studies, in other markets, will complete the picture.

Beyond mechanical reliability, remember that regular maintenance remains essential to preserve your Tesla over time and fully enjoy its durability. Intrinsic reliability is an excellent starting point, but your involvement in maintenance will make all the difference in the long run.