Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd MOT Failures
An analysis of 148,203 real DVSA MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd is suspension pin, bush or joint worn — this model is 12 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 148,203 MOT tests, 0.3% of all Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include tyre cords visible or damaged (6.8x the fleet average), any part of the noise suppression system insecure (8.2x the fleet average), and suspension ball joints worn (7.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 3 categories: Suspension, Tyres, Exhaust & Emissions. If you're inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are tyre cords visible or damaged (6.8x the average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (5.9x). any part of the noise suppression system insecure (5.8x) and any part of the noise suppression system insecure also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (8.6x the average) and suspension ball joints worn (7.7x). tyre cords visible or damaged (5.2x) and tyre cords visible or damaged also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
The standout failure at this mileage is suspension pin, bush or joint worn at 12x the fleet average.
The shift from tyre cords visible or damaged at lower mileages to suspension pin, bush or joint worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
What to check before buying a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd:
Suspension — check for suspension pin, bush or joint worn, suspension ball joints worn. Tyres — check for tyre cords visible or damaged. Exhaust & Emissions — check for any part of the noise suppression system insecure.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd?
Based on 148,203 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is suspension pin, bush or joint worn — at 12x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include tyre cords visible or damaged and any part of the noise suppression system insecure.
Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd reliable based on MOT data?
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd has 4 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Always check a specific car's full history before buying.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include suspension pin, bush or joint worn, tyre cords visible or damaged, any part of the noise suppression system insecure.
How do I check a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.