Common problems by part
Tesla Model 3 brakes problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 81,840 MOT tests · Updated
At 3 years, 0.5 in 100 MOT tests of the Tesla Model 3 failed on brakes, against 1.7 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 81,840 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: fails less often than all class 4 vehicles the same age (0.3× (0.26–0.31×)) (all test years), 388 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 4 ages from 3 to 6 years, 192,551 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested, 0.2 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.5 fails per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 1.7 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 3 (all test years). The Tesla Model 3 fails less often here.
Why it matters
A brakes fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Look through the wheels at the discs for a deep lip or heavy scoring, and check the brake pipes under the car for flaky rust. On the drive the car should stop straight with no pull or judder.
Tesla Model 3 brakes fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 81,840 | 0.5 | 1.7 |
| 4 | 67,803 | 0.6 | 2.2 |
| 5 | 32,536 | 0.9 | 2.8 |
| 6 | 10,372 | 1.1 | 3.5 |
All first-use years of the Tesla Model 3 pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the brakes at 3 years
Fails
- Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested: 0.2 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.0. Brake performance not tested unable to be tested MOT fail
- Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating: 0.2 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Replace brake discs and pads: estimated £148–£376 (1–2 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £70–£220) Service brake excessively fluctuating MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened: 5.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 3.9. Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened MOT advisory
- Service brake performance: fluctuating, but not excessively: 1.1 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.2. Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively MOT advisory
- Brake discs: worn, but not excessively: 0.4 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.1. Brake disc worn, but not excessively MOT advisory
- Brake pads: wearing thin: 0.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 4.8. Brake pad(s) wearing thin MOT advisory
Replace brake discs and pads cost
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Tesla Model 3? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Look through the wheels at the discs for a deep lip or heavy scoring, and check the brake pipes under the car for flaky rust. On the drive the car should stop straight with no pull or judder.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened.
Check one Tesla Model 3, not the average
The figures here describe Tesla Model 3 cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Tesla Model 3's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Tesla Model 3 problems
Brakes on rival models
- BMW 3 Series brakes problems: 0.9 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.5 for the Tesla Model 3 (89,865 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class brakes problems: 0.8 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.5 for the Tesla Model 3 (49,103 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class brakes problems: 0.6 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.5 for the Tesla Model 3 (43,819 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Tesla Model 3 have more brakes problems than other cars?
0.26 to 0.31 times the brakes fail rate of all class 4 vehicles the same age at 3 years (all test years), from 81,840 MOT tests. The interval is clear of 0.8 in the same direction at 4 of the 4 ages seen (ages up to 18 with at least 100 MOT tests with a fail).
How common are Tesla Model 3 brakes problems?
0.5 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years failed on brakes, against 1.7 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 81,840 MOT tests).
What is the most common Tesla Model 3 brakes fail?
0.2 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years: Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested (131 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 192,551 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare