Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD reliable?

Based on MOT data from 22,752 vehicles, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD has a first-time MOT pass rate of 90.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (2021)

22,752 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.7% first-time pass rate

2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD

CarHunch analysed 22,752 real MOT records for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD passes its MOT first time in 89.5% of cases, a solid 9.5 percentage points above the UK average, and dangerous defects are relatively uncommon at 15.6%. This is a genuinely reliable car by the numbers, with no concerning gap between petrol and diesel variants since it's entirely electric.

At 43,079 miles on average, these vehicles have covered a moderate distance for their age, and the low failure rate of 0.29 per vehicle reflects the mechanical simplicity of electric drivetrains. The 2.1 advisories per car typically point to wear items like tyres and brake fluid rather than structural problems—a good sign that major systems are holding up well. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on battery health and the cooling system, as these are the most expensive unknowns an MOT won't reveal.

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (90.7%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

90.7%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

15.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.29

Over 2.3 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

39k

Middle half: 29k–54k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 90.7% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.1 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 22,752 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 22,752 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD cars.

Before you buy a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD

Based on MOT data from 22,752 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 15.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Electric (100%)	22,748	90.7%	0.29

Colour Breakdown

Based on 54,853 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 33.5%

18,360

Grey 24.2%

13,255

Blue 16.9%

9,276

Black 16.7%

9,134

Red 8.8%

4,800

Green 0%

Orange 0%

Silver 0%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

39,457

typical

28,670

low mileage

53,575

high mileage

Half of all 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD vehicles fall between 28,670 and 53,575 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 28,670 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 28,670–53,575 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWDs sit.

⚠ Over 72,326 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.29

Avg failures per vehicle

2.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: All Model 3 Long Range AWD years → Which year to buy? →

2019 2020 2022 2023 2024 2025

Or browse all models: Tesla →

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See how the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?