The picture
Model 3 Performance Awd: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 9,626 MOT tests, the Model 3 Performance Awd returns 82.5% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a tyre with the cords showing. A seriously damaged tyre and tyre tread under the limit round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 35,620, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
A tyre cords visible or damaged
911 occurrences · 9.5% of tests
- 02
A tyre seriously damaged
299 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 03
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
286 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 04
A tyre seriously damaged
276 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 05
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
135 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 06
A tyre seriously damaged
71 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 07
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
68 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 08
A tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. This includes any lifting of the tread rubber
67 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 09
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
63 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 10
Wiper blade defective
46 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£120–£190
If every one of this Model 3 Performance Awd's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Model 3 Performance Awd?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Model 3 Performance Awd and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.