2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electric · CT57 CAL

The defining mechanical event in this Tesla Model 3's MOT history is the Dangerous failure recorded on 26 May 2026, just two days before a clean pass on 1 June 2026. The failure centred on the offside front tyre, which was found to have ply or cords exposed, a defect category that legally prohibits the vehicle from being driven until rectified. The same test also flagged advisory cracking or perishing on all three remaining tyres (nearside front, nearside rear and offside rear), suggesting the rubber compound across the full set was approaching the end of its service life. The immediate re-test pass on 1 June 2026 indicates the exposed-cord tyre was replaced before submission, but the advisories persisted as recorded observations. Two earlier tests in 2024 and 2025 were passed with no defects recorded, meaning prior to this event the vehicle had an unblemished three-year roadworthiness record. The sudden appearance of a Dangerous tyre failure alongside universal tyre deterioration suggests a concentrated period of wear that warrants close inspection of the remaining rubber and any underlying wheel alignment or suspension geometry issues that may have accelerated uneven contact patch degradation. Against an age of roughly five years, the recorded 53,514 miles equates to approximately 10,700 miles annually, a figure consistent with regular mixed-use driving rather than long-term storage or excessive motorway mileage. There are no multi-year gaps in the testing record, with annual submissions in 2024, 2025 and 2026 indicating the vehicle has remained in continuous use. This usage profile would normally be associated with moderate, predictable wear on suspension bushes, brake components and electric drivetrain items. However, the presence of a Dangerous tyre failure at this mileage band is notable, as tyres on a vehicle of this weight and torque output can deteriorate rapidly if pressures have not been maintained, if wheel geometry is out of specification, or if rotation has been neglected. A prospective buyer should verify the age and DOT date codes of any tyres currently fitted, as a single replacement at re-test would not address the advisory deterioration noted on the other three corners. For a test drive, particular attention should be paid to steering behaviour, as uneven or prematurely perished tyres on a heavy dual-motor vehicle are often symptomatic of misalignment, worn suspension linkages, or failed bushes. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, which would indicate geometry deviation beyond manufacturer tolerances. Inspect all four wheels for uneven tread wear patterns, particularly inner-edge wear on the front tyres, which on a Tesla Model 3 is a known consequence of worn lower control arm bushes or thrust arm bush failure. Examine the tyres currently fitted for age-related sidewall cracking, as the advisory perishing noted across three corners in May 2026 suggests the original or recent set may have been ageing prematurely, possibly due to prolonged UV exposure or extended service life beyond six years. Given the cluster of tyre-related observations on a single test, a buyer ought to budget for a complete set of replacement tyres immediately after purchase, as continuing to drive on perished rubber poses both an MOT failure risk and a genuine road safety hazard. Beyond the tyres, the absence of any recorded advisories on brake components, suspension arms, corrosion, or structural items across all four tests is a positive indicator for the non-tyre mechanical condition, though it does not guarantee that wear items such as brake discs, pads, or fluid have been serviced to schedule. It would be prudent to carry out a thorough underbody and wheel arch inspection for any signs of fluid leakage from the steering rack or rear suspension links, as the Model 3 is known to suffer from premature bush wear that would not necessarily trigger an MOT advisory until the deterioration becomes pronounced. Finally, request evidence of recent wheel alignment and tyre pressure monitoring system resets, as the Dangerous tyre failure could plausibly have been contributed to by prolonged running at incorrect pressures without a corresponding TPMS warning.