Piaggio reliability and common MOT problems by model
Piaggio shows a 9.2% combined MOT failure rate across 26,533 tests in MOTIntel data. Vespa has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 7.9%. Vespa deserves extra checking at 7.9%.
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.
Piaggio combined failure rate: 9.2% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #4 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Which Piaggio models look strongest?
Vespa (7.9%)
Which Piaggio models need extra caution?
Vespa (7.9%)
Most reliable Piaggio models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piaggio Vespa | 7.9% | 17,689 tests | 16,291 vehicles |
Piaggio models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piaggio Vespa | 7.9% | 17,689 tests | 16,291 vehicles |
Common Piaggio MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 696 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Piaggio Vespa |
| 2 | Brakes | 680 MOT notes | 1 models | Check for recent discs, pads, pipes, handbrake work, and any repeated brake imbalance advisories. | Piaggio Vespa |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 349 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Piaggio Vespa |
| 4 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 263 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Piaggio Vespa |
| 5 | Suspension and steering | 66 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Piaggio Vespa |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 62 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Piaggio Vespa |
All Piaggio model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vespa | 17,689 | 16,291 | 7.9% |
| Zip limited data | 1,921 | 1,611 | 15.8% |
| Mp3 limited data | 1,796 | 1,593 | 9.4% |
| Liberty 125 limited data | 1,731 | 1,473 | 14.1% |
| Px 125 Vespa limited data | 1,337 | 1,226 | 8.6% |
| Px 200 E limited data | 1,046 | 990 | 5.5% |
| Fly limited data | 1,013 | 862 | 14.2% |
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.