Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +?

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 Standard Range +?

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 Standard Range +?

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 Standard Range + reliable?

Based on MOT data from 9,360 vehicles, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + has a first-time MOT pass rate of 90.6%, 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 Standard Range +?

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.

CarHunch

Get Started

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + (2021)

9,360 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.6% first-time pass rate

2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +

CarHunch analysed 9,360 real MOT records for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

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 Standard Range + passes its MOT first time in 88.9% of cases, well ahead of the UK average of 80%, suggesting these cars are holding up reliably in their early years. However, one in six owners (16.2%) have encountered a dangerous defect at some point, which is worth factoring into your decision.

At an average mileage of 40,256 miles for a three-year-old vehicle, these Teslas are running relatively light, and they're averaging just 0.29 failures per car when they do fail—a genuinely low figure that reflects the simplicity of electric drivetrains. Run a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on battery health and cooling systems, as these are the components most likely to cause expensive problems down the line.

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (90.6%) — 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

90.6%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

16.2%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.29

Over 2.3 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

37k

Middle half: 26k–51k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 90.6% 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 9,360 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 9,360 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + cars.

Before you buy a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +

Based on MOT data from 9,360 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 16.2% 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%)	9,357	90.6%	0.29

Colour Breakdown

Based on 23,434 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 45.3%

10,604

Grey 19%

4,464

Black 17.3%

4,043

Blue 13.4%

3,147

Red 5%

1,176

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + 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.

36,832

typical

26,069

low mileage

50,957

high mileage

Half of all 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + vehicles fall between 26,069 and 50,957 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 26,069 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.

✓ 26,069–50,957 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +s sit.

⚠ Over 68,791 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 Standard Range +: All Model 3 Standard Range + years → Which year to buy? →

2019 2020 2022

Or browse all models: Tesla →

Compare with another model

See how the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?