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Common Tesla Model 3 Problems, Faults, and Repair Costs

Every known Tesla Model 3 MOT issue, ranked by how common it is and what it costs to fix. Based on 2,225 real MOT tests across 4 model years.

Segment: electric | Fuel: Electric

90%

Tesla Model 3 pass rate

89%

Tesla average

82%

National average

The Tesla Model 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 90%, which is 1 points above the Tesla average and 8 points above the national average. Newer TESLA MODEL 3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.

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.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Most Common Tesla Model 3 MOT Issues

Ranked by how likely they are to affect your Tesla Model 3, with typical repair costs

Brakes

Moderate likelihood

£80 - £450

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed

Failure points:

Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum

Suspension

Moderate likelihood

£150 - £600

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded

Failure points:

Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking

Lights

Moderate likelihood

£15 - £200

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated

Failure points:

Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure

Tyres

Moderate likelihood

£50 - £300

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall

Failure points:

Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply

Exhaust & Emissions

Lower likelihood

£80 - £800

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak

Failure points:

Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning

Steering

Lower likelihood

£100 - £500

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated

Failure points:

Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits

Body & Structure

Lower likelihood

£200 - £1200

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage

Failure points:

Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness

Windscreen & Wipers

Lower likelihood

£10 - £350

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated

Failure points:

Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen

Is your specific car affected?

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Tesla Model 3 Reliability by Year

MOT pass rate for each model year, based on real test data

2020
80%
Worst year
2021
91%
2022
90%
2023
96%
Best year
YearFuelEnginePass RateFail Rate
2023Electric0.0L96%3%
2022Electric0.0L90%9%
2021Electric0.0L91%9%
2020Electric0.0L80%17%

Most Reliable Year

2023

96% pass rate from 239 tests

View 2023 Tesla Model 3 details

Least Reliable Year

2020

80% pass rate from 133 tests

View 2020 Tesla Model 3 details

Tesla Model 3 Running Costs

Want to know the full annual running costs for the Tesla Model 3? Including fuel, tax, insurance, and predicted repairs based on MOT history.

View Tesla Model 3 Running Costs

Tesla Model 3 FAQ

What are the most common Tesla Model 3 problems?

The most common Tesla Model 3 MOT problems are issues. These are the areas most likely to cause advisories or failures during an MOT test, based on 2,225 real tests.

Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The Tesla Model 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 90%, which is 8 points above the national average of 82%. This is considered good reliability.

Which year Tesla Model 3 is most reliable?

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is the most reliable year with a 96% MOT pass rate. Avoid the 2020 model year if reliability is your priority, as it has the lowest pass rate at 80%.

How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model 3 faults?

Repair costs vary by issue. Brake work on a Tesla Model 3 typically costs £80-£450, suspension repairs cost £150-£600, and exhaust/emissions fixes cost £80-£800. 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.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

GB