Skip to main content
Check
Tesla

Tesla Model 3 reliability by build year

Coverage 2019-present2 named generationsfamily electric carSaloonELECTRICITY
At a glance

Tesla Model 3 built around 2021: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Tesla Model 3 models built around 2021 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check a Tesla Model 3 by number plate

Key figure

4.1% of MOT tests on Tesla Model 3 models built around 2021 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.2%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Tesla Model 3 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Tesla Model 3's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Model 3's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Model 3 Mk1 (Highland refresh)

Mk1 (Highland refresh) (2024-present)

ELECTRICITY
Too new for MOT figures: first MOTs due from 2027View details →
Model 3 Mk1

Mk1 (2019-2023)

Too close to call between ratings
ELECTRICITY

15.9% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 21,865 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Tesla Model 3.

See every build year for the Tesla Model 3

By age

Tesla Model 3 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Tesla Model 3 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
30,40612.8%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
34,16913.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
21,86515.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5,22515.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 5 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 4-year-old Tesla Model 3 models

These issues come from 4-year-old Tesla Model 3 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.8%
    Advisory: 13,405Fail: 2,034 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.2%
    Advisory: 5,192Fail: 1,152 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.8%
    Advisory: 5,292Fail: 20 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.9%
    Advisory: 1,876Fail: 1,782 (49% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    4.9%
    Advisory: 1,210Fail: 1,006 (45% of the times it was found)

Based on 34,169 MOT tests on 4-year-old Tesla Model 3 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 4-year-old Tesla Model 3 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres31%
  2. Suspension + Tyres30%
  3. Other + Tyres25%
  4. Brakes + Suspension13%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 5,884 MOT tests on Tesla Model 3 cars built around 2021 (4 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Tesla Model 3.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

11 recalls in all

All 11 Tesla Model 3 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 11 recalls

Top concerns

  • Update vehicle software to rectify EPAS functionality
  • Update vehicle software to correct TPMS behaviour
  • A loss of low voltage system support may cause the audio subsystem to be unavailable

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 8.1%, against 13.1% for the Tesla Model 3, both built around 2021.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,762 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  2. 2

    Porsche Taycan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.3%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    Lower fail rate: 7.9%, against 13.1% for the Tesla Model 3, both built around 2021.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  3. 3

    Jaguar XF

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 13.1% for the Tesla Model 3, both built around 2021.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,033 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  4. 4

    Audi A4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    85%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 13.1% for the Tesla Model 3, both built around 2021.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,101 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Tesla Model 3 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 34,169 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Tesla Model 3 ever sold: 91,665 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2021 (4 years old): 34,169 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.