Used buying checklist
Yamaha Mt reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Yamaha Mt looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 7.0% of 11,046 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Start with brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 7.0% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 12,380 miles
- 773 failed MOT tests analysed
Brakes is the clearest area to check
Brakes is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (4.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort, remains on when the brakes are released, and does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort
- remains on when the brakes are released
- does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls
- is bent and the brake cannot be readily applied
- does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamp(s)
- inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- missing in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- lens slightly defective
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
Focus on brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure
The model's recorded failure rate is 7.0%, -11.7 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed11,046 tests
- Median tested mileage12,380 miles
- Failed MOT tests773
Should you buy a used Yamaha Mt?
93.0% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 7.0%, -11.7 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure
- brakes appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Start with brakes, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Brakes is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (4.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Yamaha Mt, MOT records most often point to mixed mot checks.
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 0-3 years to 14.3% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with brakes, lights and electrical, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with brakes, lights and electrical, corrosion and structure, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Brakes Seen in MOT results
Brakes is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (4.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check brake pipe condition, braking balance, handbrake hold, and recent brake work.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Yamaha Mt, MOT records most often point to mixed mot checks.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Brakes is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (4.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Yamaha Mt mainly involve 5 areas: emissions, engine, and exhaust, suspension and steering, tyres and wheels, and lights and electrical. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Yamaha Mt, MOT records most often point to mixed mot checks. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are brakes, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 10,825 | 9,961 | 6.9%-3.9 percentage points vs all models | 12,287 miles |
| 50-100k | 100 | 94 | 7.0%-13.7 percentage points vs all models | 57,217 miles |
| 100-150k | 4 | 4 | 0.0%-26.2 percentage points vs all models | 112,847 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Yamaha Mt, MOT records most often point to mixed mot checks.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 0-3 years to 14.3% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 14.3% for 15+ years cars, based on 7 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
156 | 157 | 0.0%-8.4 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
1,585 | 1,503 | 3.5%-7.1 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
9,282 | 8,463 | 7.7%-8.9 percentage points vs all models | 7.7 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
16 | 14 | 12.5%-11.0 percentage points vs all models | 10.8 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
7 | 4 | 14.3%-11.6 percentage points vs all models | 16.3 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2017-04-17 | HANDLEBAR MOUNTING/S MAY DETACH The lower handlebar holder may have been manufactured with improper painting instruction and thread locking agent may not have been adequately applied to the stud bolt thread of the lower handlebar holder. Due to this the stud bolt may loosen and fall off from engine vibration resulting in loss of control. Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and replace the lower handlebar holders with the countermeasure parts. |
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| 2017-02-24 | MAIN SWITCH ELECTRIC TERMINAL MAY CORRODE It has been identified that water/moisture can enter the Sub-Switch Assembly and contaminate the main switch circuit board. This can possibly cause corrosion of the main switch electric terminal. In the worst case this can result in the electrical supply being cut and could cause the engine to stall whilst the machine is being ridden. Recall all known machines to replace the Sub-Switch Assembly with a new Quality Product. |
| 2017-02-24 | FUEL MAY LEAK It has been identified that the dimensions of the fitting bracket which secures the fuel tank to the frame are incorrect and this can cause the bracket to contact the fuel tank. This may result in engine vibration being resonance being transmitted to the fuel tank. This can cause the spot weld of the tank cover stay to fail which can cause due to transmitted through the stay. In the worst case fuel may leak. Recall all affected machine to change the fuel tank fitting bracket. |
| 2014-09-22 | HEADLIGHT MAY FAIL Under certain circumstances the headlight wiring harness may become taut on full steering lock. This over time could result in the eventual disconnection of the harness or even failure of the harness. This can cause the failure of the headlight while in use. Recall all affected machines to fit an additional sub lead |
| 2008-09-30 | REAR VIEW MIRROR MAY DETACH Under certain circumstances due to vibration a crack may develop at the rear view mirror pivot point and in extreme cases the mirror head(s) may become detached causing a safety issue primarily to other road users or bystanders. Recall the machines that are likely to be affected to replace the rear view mirrors with ones that have been modified. |
| 2007-08-10 | SUSPENSION MAY FAIL Rear suspension relay arm bearing housing may weaken by ingress of water and particularly when exposed to road salt in the Winter months. If not rectified this concern could lead to the failure of the rear suspension. Recall the machines that are likely to be affected to replace the suspension link arm and associated components. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Yamaha Mt. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Yamaha reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.