Tesla Model 3 Reliability and Common Problems
What the Tesla Model 3 fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 2,225 MOT tests across 4 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: electric | Fuel: Electric
90%
Tesla Model 3 pass rate
89%
Tesla average
82%
All-model average
The Tesla Model 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 90%, which is 1 point above the Tesla average and 8 points above the average across all models in our data.
Check Your Tesla Model 3's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
What the Tesla Model 3 Fails Its MOT On
Of the 894 MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Tyres
76%Cars and vans the same age: 44% (the Model 3 fails on this more often) · Typical repair £50-£300
Suspension
10%Cars and vans the same age: 6% (the Model 3 fails on this more often) · Typical repair £150-£600
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
9.7%Cars and vans the same age: 22% (the Model 3 fails on this less often) · Typical repair £10-£350
Lights and electrics
8.6%Cars and vans the same age: 23% (the Model 3 fails on this less often) · Typical repair £15-£200
Brakes
2.9%Cars and vans the same age: 12% (the Model 3 fails on this less often) · Typical repair £80-£450
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm limit (40% of failed tests, tyres)
- Tyre has a cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords (22% of failed tests, tyres)
- Tyre has ply or cords exposed (17% of failed tests, tyres)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
Buying a Tesla Model 3? Check it first
See that car's own MOT history and mileage free, then check it for outstanding finance, an insurance write-off and a stolen record before you pay.
History check £4.99, one-off. No subscription.
Tesla Model 3 Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
Tesla Model 3 Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the Tesla Model 3? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View Tesla Model 3 Running CostsCar history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Comparing checks first? See the cheapest car check in the UK and the best car check providers compared.
Tesla Model 3 FAQ
What are the most common Tesla Model 3 problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 that failed at the first attempt most often failed on tyres (76% of the 894 failed tests), suspension (10%) and windscreen, wipers and mirrors (9.7%). The single most common fault was "Tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm limit" (40%). Across 2,225 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 90% ended in a pass.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
The Tesla Model 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 90%, from 2,225 MOT tests. That is 8 points above the average across all models in our data (82%), a better than average result. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Tesla Model 3 is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has the highest MOT pass rate: 91% of its 101 tests ended in a pass. The 2020 has the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model 3 faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Tesla Model 3 typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific Tesla Model 3
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other Tesla Models
Common problems pages for other Tesla models