High-mileage MOT risk

High mileage used car reliability by MOT data

Across cars over 100k miles, MOT failure risk is highest in the 150-200k band at 27.3%. Use this as a baseline, then check the exact model's mileage panels for its own pattern.

Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.

Mileage band	Failure rate	Tests	What to check before buying
0-50k	10.8%	14,528,762 tests	Check tyres, lights, recalls, early advisories, and whether mileage looks consistent with condition.
50-100k	20.7%	16,395,837 tests	Check brakes, tyres, suspension wear, service history, and first signs of emissions or warning-light issues.
100-150k	26.2%	7,936,701 tests	Check suspension joints, brakes, tyres, clutch feel, emissions history, leaks, and repeat advisories.
150-200k	27.3%	2,309,614 tests	Check corrosion, brake pipes, suspension mounts, emissions, engine leaks, and evidence of major maintenance.
200k+	26.6%	721,678 tests	Check structural corrosion, safety-critical MOT repeats, emissions, brake lines, suspension, and whether repairs match the mileage.