2023 Tesla Model 3 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 1,096 MOT tests, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 recorded a 94.3% pass rate. Executive cars of a similar age fail at 5.5%, so the 2023 Model 3 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, suspension and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 4.7% of all tests — 3.7 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are tread depth, pins and bushes and tyre pressure monitoring system — tread depth alone was recorded 35 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 4.2% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 9.1% once past 90-120k — 2.2× the risk.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 15.5% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.7% | 51 |
| 2 | Suspension | 0.9% | 10 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 0.5% | 6 |
| 4 | Visibility | 0.5% | 6 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.2% | 2 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 0.1% | 1 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth | 35 |
| 2 | Pins and bushes | 14 |
| 3 | Tyre pressure monitoring system | 9 |
| 4 | Ball joint | 6 |
| 5 | Washers | 6 |
| 6 | Headlamp aim | 5 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 15.5% | 170 |
| 2 | Suspension | 4.9% | 54 |
| 3 | Other defects | 2.9% | 32 |
| 4 | Visibility | 0.8% | 9 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.6% | 7 |
| 6 | Road wheels | 0.3% | 3 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 360 | 4.2% |
| 30-60k | 461 | 5.0% |
| 60-90k | 197 | 8.1% |
| 90-120k | 66 | 9.1% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 330 | 2.7% |
| 2025 | 750 | 7.1% |
What to check before buying a 2023 Model 3
On a 2023 Model 3, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 4.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (4.7% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Suspension (0.9% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Lighting & signalling (0.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2023 Tesla Model 3s pass their MOT?
94.3% of the 1,096 2023 Tesla Model 3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2023 Tesla Model 3?
Tyres, recorded in 4.7% of tests, followed by suspension (0.9%).
Does the 2023 Model 3 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 4.2% in the 0-30k band to 9.1% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,096 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.