2021 Tesla Model 3 · 14,361 MOT tests
2021 Tesla Model 3 reliability
2021 Tesla Model 3s fail 13.5% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 3 Model 3 years (14,361 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model 3s: 14.7%)
- 13.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Tesla Model 3s: 14.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 35,274
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 14,361
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: about average for its age (the 2021 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 10.2% of tests fail here (108% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 70% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Tesla Model 3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres10.2%
- Suspension1.5%
- Lights and electrics1.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
- Brakes0.3%
- Wheels0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.41%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.1%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.46%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.68%
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.34%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.32%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.73%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.25%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (1.84%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.78%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.48%)
Other years
Every Tesla Model 3 year
The full picture: Tesla Model 3 reliability. Before you pay for any Tesla Model 3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
2021 Tesla Model 3s fail 13.5% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 3 Model 3 years (14,361 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Tesla Model 3 MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.41% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (2.1% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.46% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Tesla Model 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Tesla Model 3 shows 35,274 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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