Chevrolet reliability and common MOT problems by model
Chevrolet shows a 28.3% combined MOT failure rate across 83,744 tests in Motintel data. Spark has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 26.2%. Spark deserves extra checking at 26.2%.
Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.
Chevrolet combined failure rate: 28.3% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #48 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest).
Which Chevrolet models look strongest?
Spark (26.2%)
Which Chevrolet models need extra caution?
Spark (26.2%)
Most reliable Chevrolet models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Spark | 26.2% | 20,894 tests | 15,066 vehicles |
Chevrolet models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Spark | 26.2% | 20,894 tests | 15,066 vehicles |
Common Chevrolet MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 14,525 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Chevrolet Spark |
| 2 | Suspension and steering | 3,304 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Chevrolet Spark |
| 3 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 3,249 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Chevrolet Spark |
| 4 | Lights and electrical | 2,989 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Chevrolet Spark |
| 5 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 1,898 MOT notes | 1 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Chevrolet Spark |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 424 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Chevrolet Spark |
All Chevrolet model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 20,894 | 15,066 | 26.2% |
| Matiz limited data | 16,349 | 11,474 | 30.1% |
| Aveo limited data | 13,906 | 9,596 | 30.8% |
| Captiva limited data | 9,674 | 6,703 | 29.3% |
| Cruze limited data | 7,238 | 5,393 | 23.5% |
| Orlando limited data | 5,615 | 4,106 | 24.9% |
| Kalos limited data | 4,426 | 3,024 | 32.6% |
| Lacetti limited data | 3,721 | 2,602 | 32.3% |
| Trax limited data | 1,921 | 1,482 | 21.1% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.