Does the Tesla Model 3 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The Tesla Model 3 records 2.83 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 4.54 expected for a ev of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−1.71, 95% interval −1.84 to −1.59). It ranks 511 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Tesla Model 3 by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Tesla Model 3 is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 1,575 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 1,575 | 1.42 |
| Wiper blade defective | 703 | 0.63 |
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 319 | 0.29 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 316 | 0.29 |
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured and affecting the driver's view of the road or of an obligatory external mirror | 56 | 0.05 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 110,834 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Tesla Model 3 2019 · Tesla Model 3 2020 · Tesla Model 3 in Finland · Tesla Model 3 in the Netherlands · Tesla Model 3 in Norway · Tesla Model 3 by postcode area · Tesla Model 3 body, chassis and structure failures · Tesla Model 3 brakes failures · Tesla Model 3 vehicle identification failures · Tesla Model 3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Tesla Model 3 road wheels failures · Tesla Model 3 seat belts and airbags failures · Tesla Model 3 suspension failures · Tesla Model 3 tyres failures