MOT reliability rankings

Used car reliability by MOT data

These rankings use high-confidence MOTIntel model reports only: 530 models and 39,178,254 UK MOT tests. Lower failure rates are better, but the exact car's MOT history still matters most.

Raw failure rates reflect each model's age and mileage mix in the tested fleet — newer models naturally fail less. For a like-for-like view, use the same-age comparisons on each model page.

Built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023 and official recall records. Report index generated 2026-05-09.

Most reliable used cars in MOT data

#	Model	MOT failure rate	Tests	Vehicles
1	BMW R1250	1.8%	7,307 tests	6,812 vehicles
2	BMW R1200	2.9%	10,737 tests	10,188 vehicles
3	Lexus Ux	3.3%	7,858 tests	7,212 vehicles
4	Levc Tx	3.4%	8,912 tests	4,853 vehicles
5	Honda Crf	3.6%	7,348 tests	6,887 vehicles
6	BMW R 1200	3.6%	6,930 tests	6,524 vehicles
7	BMW S 1000	3.7%	9,099 tests	8,568 vehicles
8	Triumph Street	3.7%	5,173 tests	4,792 vehicles
9	Triumph Bonneville	4.2%	18,868 tests	17,669 vehicles
10	BMW R Series	4.2%	11,039 tests	10,362 vehicles
11	Ford Puma St Line Mhev	4.5%	5,672 tests	5,283 vehicles
12	Lexus Rx	4.8%	14,080 tests	12,985 vehicles

Models with the highest MOT failure rates

Use this as a caution list, not a blacklist. A well-maintained individual car can still be a good buy.

#	Model	MOT failure rate	Tests	Vehicles
1	Nissan Cabstar	33.3%	14,369 tests	9,548 vehicles
2	Nissan Primastar	31.8%	15,714 tests	10,481 vehicles
3	Talbot Express	31.5%	5,738 tests	3,984 vehicles
4	Fiat Bravo	31.2%	8,931 tests	6,184 vehicles
5	Hyundai Coupe	31.1%	9,831 tests	6,836 vehicles
6	Mazda Bongo	30.8%	12,936 tests	8,974 vehicles
7	Chevrolet Aveo	30.8%	13,906 tests	9,596 vehicles
8	Peugeot 307	30.6%	53,568 tests	38,098 vehicles
9	Ldv Maxus	30.6%	7,156 tests	5,023 vehicles
10	Vauxhall Tigra	30.5%	11,472 tests	8,003 vehicles
11	Renault Modus	30.4%	19,443 tests	13,389 vehicles
12	Citroen Xsara	30.4%	46,898 tests	33,506 vehicles