TESLA MODEL 3 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 101 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£950
£79/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £950/year to run. 9 points above average.
Check a specific TESLA MODEL 3
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this TESLA MODEL 3
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 91% of TESLA MODEL 3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 101 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,683 miles.
Got a TESLA MODEL 3 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,683
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 TESLA MODEL 3 has 52,683 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Looking at a specific TESLA MODEL 3?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2021 sits between the two at 91%.
TESLA MODEL 3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Tesla Model 3
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
The 2021 TESLA MODEL 3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 101 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 52,683 miles at 5 years old, TESLA MODEL 3 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
What does it cost to own a 2021 TESLA MODEL 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £950 (£79/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
TESLA MODEL 3 Reliability Trend
Newer TESLA MODEL 3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 TESLA MODEL 3
At 5 years old, the TESLA MODEL 3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 TESLA MODEL 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Battery Degradation
Medium riskAfter 5 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 TESLA MODEL 3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESLA MODEL 3(2021) | 91% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £950 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| JAGUAR I-PACE(2020) | 96% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £945-£5 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD(2020) | 87% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Tesla Models
Explore other Tesla cars or similar models in the same category.
TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD
2021 · 0cc Electric
TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +
2021 · 0cc Electric
TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD
2020 · 0cc Electric
TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD
2021 · 0cc Electric
JAGUAR I-PACE
2020 · 0cc Electric
TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +
2021 · 0cc Electric
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Tesla Model 3.
Cheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsElectric Car Running Costs UK (2026): The Real Numbers
14 min read
Running CostsElectric vs Petrol Running Costs UK 2026: EV is £1,247 Cheaper/yr
15 min read
Check a specific TESLA MODEL 3
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a TESLA MODEL 3? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data