Tesla Model 3
From 1,544 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer Model 3s fare better: 2023 models pass at 96.3% vs 88.9% for 2022.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a tyre seriously damaged and a tyre cords visible or damaged. The top issue, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, caused 77 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 77 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 36 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 33 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 22 |
| windscreen or window excessively tinted but not adversely affecting driver's view | 6 |
| an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 6 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 6 |
| brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn | 6 |
| a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative | 4 |
| parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 4 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 42.5% of failures are serious: 42.5% are safety issues (brakes, steering, tyre damage) and 0% could actually leave you stranded. That's close to the 44.4% average across all models. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £76.
Tesla Model 3 on UK roads
The fleet is growing: 21,122 newly registered in the past year with 1,320 leaving, a net gain of 19,802. Currently at its highest numbers ever.
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 127,818 | 775 | +5,833 | -0 | +6,204 |
| 2025 Q2 | 121,674 | 715 | +4,592 | -0 | +4,688 |
| 2025 Q1 | 117,044 | 657 | +5,946 | -0 | +6,365 |
| 2024 Q4 | 110,688 | 648 | +4,751 | -1,320 | +3,431 |
| 2024 Q3 | 107,343 | 562 | +4,597 | -327 | +4,270 |
| 2024 Q2 | 103,079 | 556 | +4,396 | -282 | +4,114 |
| 2024 Q1 | 99,024 | 497 | +3,560 | -391 | +3,169 |
| 2023 Q4 | 95,740 | 612 | +2,076 | -70 | +2,006 |
5 variants on the road
| Variant | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range Awd | Battery Electric | 51,922 | 41% |
| Model 3 | Battery Electric | 29,204 | 23% |
| Model 3 Standard Range + | Battery Electric | 21,683 | 17% |
| Model 3 Performance Awd | Battery Electric | 15,905 | 12% |
| Model 3 Long Range Rwd | Battery Electric | 9,104 | 7% |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2022 | 88.9% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2020 | 79.7% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
Typical mileage
Half of all Model 3s tested had between 24,312 and 41,603 miles on the clock. Relatively low mileage overall. Many are still fairly young.
At 32,128 median miles, the Model 3 has 0.033 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Tesla models
Common questions
What is the Tesla Model 3 MOT pass rate?
The Tesla Model 3 has a 89.4% MOT pass rate based on 1,544 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Tesla Model 3?
The most common MOT failure on the Tesla Model 3 is tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, which caused 77 failures. Other common issues include a tyre seriously damaged.
How many Tesla Model 3s are on UK roads?
There are 127,818 Tesla Model 3s currently licensed on UK roads, with 775 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Tesla Model 3 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Tesla Model 3 is 32,128 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 24,312 and 41,603 miles.
Buying a used Model 3?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.