2022 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + Electric · AF22 TTX

The defining mechanical theme for this 2022 Tesla Model 3 is the emergence of suspension wear advisories at the most recent MOT after a clean pass the year before, suggesting the suspension linkages are beginning to show their age despite the relatively short time on the road. Two separate advisories were issued on 12 March 2026 for slight play in suspension arm ball joints: the nearside front lower arm ball joint and the nearside rear upper arm ball joint outer rose bush in the hub. While these are recorded as advisories rather than failures and the vehicle remains roadworthy, having two suspension linkage issues flagged in the same test indicates wear that is worth monitoring closely, particularly on a heavy electric vehicle where unsprung and sprung mass loads the bushes and joints continuously. With 78,636 miles recorded on a roughly four-year-old vehicle, this Model 3 is accumulating mileage at approximately 19,659 miles per year, which is substantially above the typical average for its age bracket. Two MOT tests have been recorded, the most recent on 12 March 2026, with no apparent testing gap. High annual mileage on any car accelerates wear on consumable items, and on an EV like the Model 3 this includes the brake discs and pads (which can suffer from corrosion through underuse despite regenerative braking reducing pad wear), the suspension bushes, drop links and anti-roll bar mounts, wheel bearings, tyres, and the drive unit components. The combination of high mileage and early suspension advisories suggests that further wear items are likely to surface in the near future, and a prospective buyer should budget accordingly. Given the specific advisories, particular attention should be paid to the front lower suspension arm and rear upper arm ball joints during a physical inspection. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness or juddering through the steering wheel which can indicate excessive ball joint play. At the rear, listen for similar knocking from the rear suspension over bumps and check for any change in rear stability or tracking. A worthwhile inspection involves raising the vehicle or using a ramp if possible, and manually checking the ball joints and rose bushes for any free play beyond the slight movement already recorded, as well as inspecting the condition of the rubber boots for perishing or damage. Beyond the flagged items, the high mileage profile makes it sensible to inspect all four tyres for even wear patterns, as uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues stemming from worn linkages. The brake discs should be checked for lipping, corrosion pitting, or scoring, given that EVs often suffer from surface corrosion on discs due to the regenerative braking reducing pad application. The underside of the vehicle, including subframe mounting points, should be examined for any corrosion, particularly around suspension pick-up locations where wear and surface rust can develop. Finally, although this is an electric vehicle without a traditional exhaust or engine oil leak path, it remains important to inspect the drive unit for any signs of fluid seepage, listen for any unusual noises from the rear motor under load or deceleration, and verify the condition and health of the 12V auxiliary battery, which is known to require replacement on these vehicles and can cause a range of electrical faults if degraded.