2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD Electric · LB71 UOR

A single advisory against the offside rear suspension arm ball joint at the October 2025 test marks the only recorded defect in this Tesla Model 3 Performance's MOT history, with the December 2024 test returning a clean pass. Ball joint play at the rear is not uncommon on performance-oriented saloons that have been driven enthusiastically, even at modest mileages, and the "slight play" classification indicates it was within the advisory threshold rather than a failure point. The presence of only one advisory across two recorded tests suggests the vehicle's recorded roadworthiness trend is broadly stable, though a single rear suspension advisory is too limited a data point to draw any firm conclusions about longer-term wear patterns on the multi-link rear geometry. Any prospective buyer should treat this as an early indicator worth monitoring rather than an established chronic fault. With 25,072 miles accumulated over roughly five years, the annual mileage of around 5,014 miles is notably low for the vehicle's age. Such limited use means mechanical wear on consumables like brake discs and pads, tyres, and drivetrain components will be disproportionately low compared to higher-mileage peers, but it also raises legitimate concerns about components that suffer from extended standing rather than active use. The dual electric motors and high-voltage battery pack are largely unaffected by mileage in the same way an internal combustion drivetrain would be, but ancillary systems including the 12V auxiliary battery, suspension bushes, brake calipers, and underbody hardware can degrade when a vehicle is left stationary for prolonged periods between journeys. The October 2025 advisory specifically identified play in the offside rear suspension arm ball joint, which on a Tesla Model 3 forms part of the independent rear suspension assembly that controls rear wheel positioning and ride compliance. On a road test, particular attention should be paid to any clonking or knocking transmitted through the rear of the vehicle when traversing uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or potholes, as well as any looseness or shuffling felt through the steering during direction changes at speed. A subsequent check of rear wheel tracking and tyre wear patterns is advisable, as uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on the rear tyres can indicate that the ball joint play has begun to affect alignment geometry. Because this is an isolated advisory on one corner rather than a pattern across multiple tests, it is not yet possible to determine whether it represents the beginning of a wider rear suspension wear trend, so a more detailed inspection of the nearside rear arm and the front suspension components by a competent technician would be a prudent precaution. The Tesla-specific elements that warrant focused checks include the brake system, given the regenerative braking strategy of this model which can lead to rear brake caliper seizure through lack of use at low mileages, and the underbody condition which should be examined for any corrosion or impact damage given the vehicle's low overall mileage but unknown storage history. On a test drive, listen for any rear brake binding or dragging that manifests as pulling to one side, inconsistent retardation, or a grinding sensation under light pedal pressure, and confirm that the regenerative braking function operates smoothly without interruption. The condition of the 12V auxiliary battery, the high-voltage contactors, and the charging port assembly should also be verified during any pre-purchase inspection, as these are components where standing time can reveal issues that would not otherwise appear during a standard road test.