Tesla Model 3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Tesla Model 3 is a executive car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 93 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 311 of 442, and 16.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (5.6% of tests).
Ranked 311 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 16 of 16 executive cars
In 2024, 54,303 Tesla Model 3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 16.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Tesla Model 3 is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 15.9% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
16.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
15.9%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
12,400
Typical age at test: 3 years
Tesla Model 3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Tesla Model 3 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.6% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed4.1% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.1% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too low0.9% of tests
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7% of tests
What the Tesla Model 3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 12.3% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 2.3% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Suspension | 1.7% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Visibility | 1.1% | ▼ 67% less often |
| Brakes | 0.6% | ▼ 78% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | ▼ 76% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.0% | ▼ 97% less often |
| Steering | 0.0% | ▼ 88% less often |
What MPG does the Tesla Model 3 do?
Electric versions average 4.1 miles per kWh, with an official range of 254 to 436 miles.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Tesla Model 3?
Any Tesla Model 3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carTesla Model 3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 26 versions sold in the UK between 2020 and 2025.
Fuel types
Electric
Electric range
254–436 miles
Efficiency
3.7–5.0 mi/kWh
Power
208–627 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD (H6LR)283 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD (H6MR)283 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD Long Range (H5LRP)283 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD Long Range (H5MRP)283 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Long Range (H5LDB)498 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Long Range (H5MDB)498 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Performance (H5LDP)627 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Performance (H5MDP)627 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD Long Range (H5LRB)208 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Long Range (H5LDP)366 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD (E6LR)N/A · listed 2023 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Long Range (E5LDB)N/A · listed 2023 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Performance (E5LDP)N/A · listed 2023 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 RWD Long Range (E5LR#Qb1)N/A · listed 2023 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Model 3 Long Range (E3CD#Gb1)N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 4.2 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 26 versions.
What a Tesla Model 3 costs to fuel
- Electric, typical official 4.1 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsBuying a used Tesla Model 3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Tesla Model 3 with other executive cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Tesla models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Tesla Model 3 is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 93 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Tesla Model 3?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 5.6% of tests. It fails on tyres and suspension more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Tesla Model 3 do?
Electric versions average 4.1 miles per kWh, with an official range of 254 to 436 miles.
›How much is road tax on a Tesla Model 3?
Any Tesla Model 3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Tesla Model 3s fail their MOT?
16.5% of Tesla Model 3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 15.9% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Tesla Model 3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.