Known APK problem
Tesla Model 3: tyres
On the Tesla Model 3 the APK inspector finds tyres problems 2.3× as often as on cars of the same age: at 7–8 years 12.0%, against about 5.2% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Too little tread (at least 1.6 mm), cracks or uneven wear.
How to check it at the viewing
Check the tread and look for uneven wear: that points to an alignment problem. The DOT code on the tyre tells its age.
Ask the seller: How old are the tyres, and has the car been aligned recently?
By age
Share of inspected Tesla Model 3s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Model 3 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | B | 15.5% | 12.9% | 1.2× |
| 3 – 4 years | C | 6.5% | 4.3% | 1.5× |
| 5 – 6 years | B | 19.6% | 14.0% | 1.4× |
| 5 – 6 years | C | 8.4% | 4.9% | 1.7× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 22.5% | 16.1% | 1.4× |
| 7 – 8 years | C | 12.0% | 5.2% | 2.3× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 7–8 years
| Model | Tyres | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 12.0% | 2.3× |
| Škoda Octavia III | 16.4% | 1.0× |
| Volvo V60 II / S60 III | 11.5% | 0.7× |
| Volkswagen Passat B8 | 16.2% | 1.0× |
| Škoda Superb II | 15.0% | 1.0× |
Looking at a Tesla Model 3? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Tesla Model 3s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Tesla Model 3 · Tyres: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tesla Model 3 often have tyres problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 7–8 years the inspector found a tyres defect on 12.0% of inspected Tesla Model 3s, against about 5.2% of all cars of the same age (2.3×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the tyres on a used Tesla Model 3?
Check the tread and look for uneven wear: that points to an alignment problem. The DOT code on the tyre tells its age.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know