Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd MOT Failures
An analysis of 90,489 real DVSA MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd is tyre cords visible or damaged — this model is 11 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 90,489 MOT tests, 10.39% of all Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd tests recorded this as a failure.
Tyre failures indicate either poor maintenance or suspension geometry issues causing uneven wear. Check all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall damage, and uneven wear patterns.
Other notable weak points include suspension pin, bush or joint worn (8.9x the fleet average), any fracture or welding defect on a wheel (16x the fleet average), tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separa... (8.9x the fleet average), and tyre seriously damaged (6.2x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Tesla Model 3 Performance 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: Tyres, Suspension, Wheels. If you're inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Performance 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 Performance 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 Performance Awd specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are any fracture or welding defect on a wheel (14x the average) and tyre cords visible or damaged (11x). tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separa... (8.9x) and suspension ball joints worn (8.8x) 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 Performance Awd specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (8.9x the average) and tyre cords visible or damaged (6.4x). tyre seriously damaged (5.1x) and tyre seriously damaged also appear frequently.
The shift from any fracture or welding defect on a wheel 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 Performance Awd
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd:
Tyres — check for tyre cords visible or damaged, tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separa..., tyre seriously damaged. Suspension — check for suspension pin, bush or joint worn, suspension ball joints worn. Wheels — check for any fracture or welding defect on a wheel, wheel badly distorted or wear between wheel and....
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 Performance Awd?
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Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd?
Based on 90,489 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is tyre cords visible or damaged — at 11x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension pin, bush or joint worn and any fracture or welding defect on a wheel.
Is the Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd reliable based on MOT data?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance Awd has 7 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is tyre cords visible or damaged. 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 tyre cords visible or damaged, suspension pin, bush or joint worn, any fracture or welding defect on a wheel.
How do I check a Tesla Model 3 Performance 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.