Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance 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 Performance 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 Performance 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.

How many 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

21% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD reliable?

Based on MOT data from 2,582 vehicles, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD has a first-time MOT pass rate of 89%, 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 Performance 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 Performance AWD (2021)

2,582 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89% first-time pass rate

2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD

CarHunch analysed 2,582 real MOT records for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance 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 Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD passes its MOT on the first attempt 86.5% of the time, comfortably above the UK average of 80%—a solid reliability indicator. However, one in five of these vehicles (21.1%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a material concern for a buyer and worth investigating during a pre-purchase inspection.

At a median of 36,557 miles for a three-year-old car, these Teslas are running slightly below average wear, suggesting owners are treating them well. The low failure rate of 0.33 per vehicle masks the real story: advisories averaging 2.2 per car indicate minor wear items are cropping up, typically around suspension, brake components, and trim—so budget for small fixes even if the car passes comfortably, and always request the full MOT history before committing to a purchase.

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (89%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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

89%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

21.1%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.33

Over 2.2 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

37k

Middle half: 27k–49k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 89% 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 2.2 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 2,582 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 2,582 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD cars.

Before you buy a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD

Based on MOT data from 2,582 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 21.1% 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 17,291 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 30.8%

5,319

Grey 23.4%

4,045

Black 20.9%

3,613

Blue 13.7%

2,370

Red 11.1%

1,920

Green 0.1%

Orange 0%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance 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.

36,557

typical

26,610

low mileage

49,496

high mileage

Half of all 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD vehicles fall between 26,610 and 49,496 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 26,610 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.

✓ 26,610–49,496 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWDs sit.

⚠ Over 66,819 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

2.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.33

Avg failures per vehicle

2.2

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

2019 2020 2022 2023 2024 2025

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Average reliability — agree?