Across 32,756 MOT tests of the Tesla Model 3 in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 16.6% failed — about 1 in 6. The parts that fail most are tyres (12.4% of tests), lights and electrics (3.4%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (0.9%), suspension (0.8%) and brakes (0.5%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Tesla Model 3 has 15% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
Model 3 (2019–2025)
MOT: 16.6% of 32,756 initial tests failed — 15% more failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 12.4% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 3.4% |
| 3 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 0.9% |
| 4 | suspension | 0.8% |
| 5 | brakes | 0.5% |
Questions
What fails most on a Tesla Model 3 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 12.4% of Tesla Model 3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (3.4%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (0.9%).
How often does a Tesla Model 3 fail its MOT?
16.6% of Tesla Model 3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 6), counting initial tests only, across 32,756 tests. Allowing for age and mileage, that is 15% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
On MOT results, the Tesla Model 3 has 15% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Tesla Model 3 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.