The Danish Automobile Federation (FDM) has shared an unusual statistic: in 2024, the regulator "sent for re-inspection" the most owners of American electric cars. New cars in Denmark undergo MOT after four years, which means that the sample includes electric vehicles from the 2020 model year. Of the 4,668 Tesla Model 3 electric cars, 1,051 failed the annual MOT, which corresponds to 23% of Model 3s.
The average market defect rate for four-year-old cars in Denmark is nine percent, and a total of 1,392 defects were registered in the Tesla Model 3 - three times more than in analogues. Operators working at the MOT points criticize the lighting, brakes, steering and suspension. FDM calls the defect rate of American electric cars "outrageous".
Experts have concluded that the durability and quality of the Tesla Model 3 does not match the performance of other car brands. FDM is prepared for problems with the brakes, as electric cars brake differently and the mechanisms fail more often. However, the steering play and wear on the suspension are overwhelming for a four-year-old car. There is no explanation for the defects in the headlights: they are either blinding, or are poorly fixed and vibrate while driving.
Tesla representatives did not comment on the quality of the Model 3 when asked by FDM. However, in an email, the company recalled that in 2021 the electric car underwent a major update, and in 2023 an updated version debuted. Tesla electric cars are very popular in Denmark, so there will be no problems with the representativeness of a new sample, which according to FDM will show similar results.