Tesla Model 3: what fails at MOT
109,000 MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 in 2024, counted. 14.2% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
14.2% of Tesla Model 3 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 11.5%, so the Model 3 is about average for its age.
It fails most often on tyres (7.1% of tests), lights and electrics (1.2% of tests) and suspension (1% of tests). It fails on tyres more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51,391 | 13.8% | 10.9% | 33,600 23,800 to 46,400 |
| 2020 | 40,170 | 14.4% | 11.5% | 40,300 29,600 to 54,500 |
| 2019 | 17,816 | 14.8% | 13.4% | 45,300 33,300 to 60,700 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Tesla Model 3 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Model 3 | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres More than most | 7.1% | 2.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.2% | 1.8% |
| Suspension | 1.0% | 0.5% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen Less than most | 0.6% | 1.9% |
| Brakes Less than most | 0.3% | 1.2% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre4.2%
- Tyre tread3.4%
- Headlamp aim0.8%
- Suspension pins and bushes0.6%
- Tyre pressure warning system0.5%
- Washers0.4%
- Ball joint0.4%
- Wipers0.2%
- Number plate light0.2%
- Number plates0.2%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed2.3%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.6%
- Tyre pressure warning system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.5%
- Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
- Tyre: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
- Ball joint: excessively worn0.3%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.3%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.3%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge14.0%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened3.9%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement2.4%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt1.5%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing1.4%
- Ball joint: has slight play1.1%
- Nail in tyre1.0%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a Tesla Model 3's own MOT record
Looking at a Model 3? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.