MOT test fail rates: executive, luxury and sports cars
We’ve used new government data to find the best and worst MOT test fail rates in each car class and reveal the top 10 items that let motorists down...
Best executive cars for passing the MOT test
BMW’s 3 Series and 4 Series models perform well in their MOT tests, beating their rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. To be expected is the strength of the much cheaper Toyota Avensis, while the surprise entry is the eccentric Citroën DS5, which manages an MOT pass rate of close to 90%.
Make and model % MOT fails
BMW 4 Series 2013-present 8.2%
BMW 3 Series 2012-2019 11.0%
Citroën DS5 2012-2015 11.2%
Toyota Avensis 2009-2018 11.2%
Mercedes CLA 2013-2019 11.4%
Mercedes C-Class 2007-2014 11.4%
Lexus IS 2005-2013 11.7%
Volkswagen Passat 2010-2015 12.1%
Audi A5 2007-2016 12.4%
The latest Afa Romeos are proving brilliantly reliable, but the old 156 is giving credence to the brand’s historic reputation with a fail rate of 35%. Nissan and Renault models also appear prominently, while the products of the dead MG Rover company are fast disappearing from British roads.
Make and model % MOT fails
Rover 75 1999-2005 29.2%
Peugeot 406 1996-2004 29.5%
Rover 600 Series 1993-1999 31.4%
Vauxhall Vectra 2002-2008 31.8%
Volvo S40 1996-2004 31.8%
Nissan Primera 1996-2002 32.5%
Renault Laguna 2001-2007 33.6%
MG ZT 2001-2005 33.8%
Volvo V40 1996-2004 34.0%
Alfa Romeo 156 1997-2006 35.0%
Best luxury cars for passing the MOT test
The Aston Martin DB9 appears to be almost trouble-free, with fewer than 5% failing first time. Audi is showing strongly, with the A6, A7 and A8 making the top 10, while Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz each have two cars close to the top. Notably, the former’s XJ is the only current-generation entrant.
Make and model % MOT fails
Aston Martin DB9 2004-2016 4.9%
Audi A8 2010-2017 7.6%
Audi A6 2011-2018 8.4%
Jaguar XJ 2010-present 9.3%
Mercedes E-Class 2009-2016 10.4%
Audi A7 2010-2017 10.8%
BMW 7 Series 2008-2015 11.0%
Mercedes CLS 2011-2018 11.0%
Jaguar XK 2006-2015 12.1%
Jaguar XF 2007-2015 12.6%
Worst luxury cars for passing the MOT test
Although there are four Mercedes-Benz models in the bottom 10, the MOT fail rates for both the CLS and S-Class are lower than 20%, so not a major cause for concern. It’s only the very oldest luxury cars that rack up a higher percentage of fails, with the ‘E39’ BMW 5 Series faring the worst.
Make and model % MOT fails
BMW 7 Series 2001-2008 18.4%
Mercedes CLS 2004-2010 19.1%
Mercedes S-Class 1998-2005 19.2%
BMW 6 Series 2003-2011 19.5%
Mercedes E-Class 2003-2009 20.6%
BMW 5 Series 2003-2010 21.9%
Jaguar XJ 2003-2009 23.5%
Mercedes CL 1998-2006 23.9%
Mercedes E-Class 1995-2003 24.2%
BMW 5 Series 1996-2003 28.7%
Best sports and performance cars for passing the MOT test
The Porsche 911 has taken both gold and silver in this race, with the ‘996’ version only marginally behind the more recent ‘997’. Plus, the German brand’s cheaper Boxster and Cayman aren’t far behind. Three BMWs make it into the top 10, including the M135i hot hatch and M3 super-saloon.
Make and model % MOT fails
Porsche 911 2005-2012 6.4%
Porsche 911 1994-1998 6.7%
Mercedes SLK/SLC 2011-2019 7.4%
BMW M3 2007-2013 8.5%
Porsche Boxster 2005-2012 9.0%
Porsche Cayman 2005-2012 10.3%
Audi TT 2006-2014 10.7%
BMW M135i 2012-2015 11.2%
Mercedes SL 2001-2012 13.1%
BMW Z4 2009-2016 13.1%
Worst sports and performance cars for passing the MOT test
The Vauxhall Tigra has the worst MOT pass rate of any car tested in 2017; more than half failed first time. Alfa Romeo’s Brera and GT struggle too, with 25% and 38% fail rates. Mazda’s complex, rotary-engined RX-8 and Mk2 MX-5 aren’t enviable, either, with around a quarter of cars failing first time.
Make and model % MOT fails
BMW Z4 2003-2009 23.4%
Mazda MX-5 1998-2005 24.5%
Alfa Romeo Brera 2006-2011 25.0%
Toyota Celica 1999-2006 25.1%
Audi TT 1999-2006 25.4%
Mazda RX-8 2003-2010 25.4%
BMW Z3 1997-2003 25.9%
Hyundai Coupé 2002-2009 32.4%
Alfa Romeo GT 2004-2011 38.0%
Vauxhall Tigra 2004-2009 58.1%
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
Find out the most common reasons for failing the MOT
< Previous
Page 3 of 3
Buy a new car with What Car?
Before you buy, visit What Car?’s new car deals section.
We have discounted deals on most new cars on sale, so you're never far away from finding a new car deal in your area.
It's all based on Target Price, which is the price we think you should pay based on research by our team of mystery shoppers, and the best discounts they can achieve.
If you’re still not sure then our deals team can help; call them on 03302 216207 – lines are open from 8am until 10pm seven days a week.
