Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + MOT Failures
An analysis of 56,098 real DVSA MOT tests on the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + is suspension ball joints worn — this model is 18 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 56,098 MOT tests, 0.18% of all Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + 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 suspension pin, bush or joint worn (11x the fleet average) and light unit fault (7.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +'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 2 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + 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 Standard Range +'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 Standard Range + specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (11x the average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (11x). light unit fault (7.7x) and light unit fault 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.
The standout failure at this mileage is suspension ball joints worn at 18x the fleet average.
What to check before buying a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +:
Suspension — check for suspension ball joints worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault.
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 Standard Range +?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +?
Based on 56,098 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is suspension ball joints worn — at 18x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension pin, bush or joint worn and light unit fault.
Is the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + reliable based on MOT data?
The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + has 3 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is suspension ball joints 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 ball joints worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn, light unit fault.
How do I check a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +'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.