2021 Tesla Model 3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Tesla Model 3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Tread depth1.7× usual
  Tesla Model 3

  24.8% All 2021 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints6.1× usual
  Tesla Model 3

  6.7% All 2021 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint5.8× usual
  Tesla Model 3

  3.5% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2021 Tesla Model 3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Tesla Model 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  11% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  9% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2021 Tesla Model 3

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Build quality: panels, paint and leaks

  All versions

  Misaligned panels and poor paint are common, door seals can let water in, and the rear screen can crack.

  At the viewing: Look along the panel gaps, check the paint, feel the carpets for damp and look at the rear screen.

  Source: Auto Express: used Tesla Model 3 (Mk1, 2019 on) review

• Eight recalls (2020–2022)

  All versions

  Recalls covered a missing steering column bolt, loose brake caliper bolts, seatbelts, suspension, airbags, parking camera wiring, eCall software and the speedometer.

  At the viewing: Check the car’s recalls in the Tesla app or with Tesla.

  Source: Auto Express: used Tesla Model 3 (Mk1, 2019 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Tesla Model 3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it had any water leaks or bodywork put right?
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?