2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · AF71 NRX

A recurring concern is the wear on the near‑side front suspension arm ball joint, which escalated from an advisory on 6 November 2025 to a documented failure on 3 November 2025, while the rear‑side ball joints continue to show slight play and the near‑side front tyre remains close to the legal tread limit. The vehicle subsequently passed its 6 November 2025 MOT with those same advisories still recorded, indicating that the failure was remedied but the underlying wear pattern persists, and the most recent test on 29 October 2024 showed no defects, suggesting a period of relative stability before the recent deterioration. At 94,903 miles after just over five years, the car averages roughly 19,000 miles per annum, a mileage rate considerably above the typical UK average for a 2021 model. This higher utilisation accelerates wear on consumable components such as tyres, suspension bushings and ball joints, and places greater demand on brake pads and rotors, even though no brake‑related defects have been recorded. The MOT history shows no significant testing gaps, but the close succession of a failure and a pass in November 2025 reflects a recent intervention that may not have addressed the rear‑side ball joint play. Prospective buyers should conduct a thorough road‑test focused on the suspension. Listen for clunking or knocking noises when traversing bumps, especially on the left‑hand side, and feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering column that could indicate residual ball‑joint wear. Inspect the front tyre for uneven wear patterns, particularly on the inner edge, and verify that the tread depth exceeds the legal minimum. Examine the rear suspension for any lateral movement when the wheel is rocked, as the advisories for slight play suggest the rear ball joints may be approaching their service limit. Given the high mileage and the documented suspension issues, it is prudent to have the front and rear ball joints inspected by a specialist and, if necessary, replaced with OEM‑spec components. A check of the steering rack tie‑rod ends and rear trailing arms for wear will help confirm the overall integrity of the suspension geometry. Although the MOT record shows no brake faults, the mileage warrants a visual inspection of pads, discs and calipers for thinning or scoring, and a functional test of pedal feel for any judder that could emerge as the vehicle ages.