Tesla has officially overtaken Toyota to become France’s most reliable car brand, according to a new nationwide reliability ranking published by Auto Plus magazine. The 2025 study places Tesla at the top overall, marking a historic first for the American electric vehicle manufacturer in one of Europe’s most competitive automotive markets.
The achievement was publicly celebrated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on X, underscoring the significance of the result as global perceptions of EV reliability continue to evolve.
Tesla https://t.co/qgBZWiSqvS
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2026
Inside the Auto Plus 2025 Reliability Study
The Auto Plus reliability ranking, published on February 6, 2026, analyzed early reliability issues reported during 2025. The study focused on vehicles registered in France since January 1, 2018, with fewer than 150,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Unlike inspection-based assessments, this study relied on real-world ownership data across all powertrain types, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Tesla’s inclusion was made possible by the brand’s growing vehicle population in France, allowing for statistically meaningful analysis for the first time.
How Tesla Beat Toyota Across All Powertrains?
Toyota has long been considered the gold standard for automotive reliability in Europe. In the 2025 Auto Plus ranking, however, Tesla surpassed Toyota across the entire market, regardless of drivetrain.
According to Auto Plus, Tesla vehicles showed no recurring major defects. The only notable issue involved isolated suspension arm concerns, which are covered under Tesla’s four-year or 80,000-kilometer warranty. Other reported problems were classified as minor, such as occasional touchscreen glitches and door handle issues.
The absence of widespread mechanical failures played a key role in Tesla’s top placement.
Why This Ranking Differs From Earlier Tesla Criticism?
Tesla’s first-place finish contrasts with earlier criticism from organizations such as Germany’s ADAC, which previously ranked the Model 3 and Model Y poorly in technical inspection reports.
Auto Plus explained that those inspections often emphasize components like brake disc wear. For electric vehicles, this metric can be misleading due to regenerative braking, which reduces brake usage but may cause surface corrosion when vehicles are driven gently.
By prioritizing owner-reported reliability issues rather than inspection-specific criteria, Auto Plus provided a broader and more representative picture of long-term vehicle dependability.
What the Results Say About Electric Vehicle Reliability?
The study reinforces a growing consensus that electric vehicles are not inherently less reliable than combustion-engine cars. With far fewer moving parts, EVs can avoid many of the mechanical failures associated with traditional powertrains.
Auto Plus emphasized that Tesla’s performance supports the idea that modern EVs can match or exceed the reliability of legacy automakers when evaluated using real-world data.
Limitations of the Study and What Comes Next
While the results strongly favor Tesla, Auto Plus acknowledged limitations in its analysis, including the evolving nature of EV ownership data and differences in driving habits. Still, Tesla’s debut at the top of the ranking signals a meaningful shift in how electric vehicles are perceived in terms of durability and reliability.
As more long-term data becomes available in major markets like France, reliability rankings are likely to continue changing, especially as EV adoption accelerates.
Why This Milestone Matters for European Car Buyers?
For European consumers, especially those considering a switch to electric vehicles, Tesla’s top ranking challenges long-held assumptions about EV reliability. Beating Toyota in a nationwide study sends a strong message that electric cars have reached a new level of maturity.
As reliability remains one of the most important factors in vehicle purchasing decisions, Tesla’s performance in France could influence buying behavior across Europe and beyond.
