2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD Electricity · NJ71 VLE

A fractured front road wheel recorded as a Dangerous failure at the most recent test on 5 September 2026 is an immediate and serious roadworthiness concern that overshadows the rest of the MOT history for this Model 3 Long Range AWD. A dangerous defect under Section 5.2.2 indicates a structural integrity issue with the wheel itself, which carries an obvious risk of sudden loss of control and would not have been permitted for continued use until rectified. The supporting advisories on the same test compound the picture: the offside rear road wheel is noted as slightly distorted, both rear tyres (235/40/19) are worn close to the legal limit with only 2 to 3 mm of tread remaining, and a TPMS warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. Prior to this failure, the 2025 and 2024 tests passed, but each carried advisories relating to worn rear suspension bushes and pins, suggesting that rubber or pivoting components in the rear axle are progressively deteriorating. Taken together, the 2026 outcome represents a sharp deterioration rather than a stable trend. With 61,508 miles recorded on a 2021 vehicle, this Model 3 is running at roughly 12,300 miles per year, which is notably high for its age and points to sustained, regular use rather than the lighter patterns often seen on private EVs. This level of mileage accumulation typically accelerates wear on suspension components, bushes, tyres, and braking hardware, and is broadly consistent with the observed pattern of rear suspension bushes wearing on both upper arms in 2024 and on a rear suspension component in 2025. The relatively continuous testing history, with annual MOT entries from 2024 through 2026, indicates the car has remained in active service rather than being laid up, meaning the recorded mileage is unlikely to disguise long stationary periods. Mechanical expectations should therefore be set accordingly: consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension linkages are likely closer to their service limits than the calendar age alone would suggest. A prospective buyer should treat the fractured wheel as a non-negotiable item requiring replacement before the vehicle is driven, and any negotiation must account for the cost of at least one new road wheel, the distorted rear wheel assessment, and a full set of replacement rear tyres given their proximity to the legal tread limit. The illuminated TPMS light should be investigated separately, as it may simply reflect the new wheel and sensor configuration after rectification, or it may indicate a fault in one of the tyre pressure sensors themselves, which is a known concern on Teslas of this generation. Beyond the immediate items, the recurring rear suspension advisories warrant close physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the rear end during direction changes, as worn upper arm bushes can allow unintended toe movement under load. The vehicle should also be raised on a ramp if possible, with attention paid to the rear upper arm inner bushes, the pin wear noted in 2025, and any signs of cracked or perished rubber. Given the combination of a recent dangerous failure, persistent rear suspension advisories over consecutive tests, and a higher than average annual mileage, this particular Model 3 carries elevated mechanical risk compared with cleaner examples of the same model. Any independent pre-purchase inspection should specifically document the condition of all four road wheels for cracks or impact damage, the remaining rear tyre tread depth, the rear suspension arm bushes for free play, and the TPMS system for stored fault codes. A scan of the Tesla-specific diagnostic system would also be advisable to confirm that no drivetrain, high-voltage, or brake-related fault codes are present that would not surface during a standard road test. In its current state, this vehicle should not be considered roadworthy until the dangerous defect has been formally cleared.