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Cars to Avoid

UK vehicles with the highest MOT failure rates

Avoid models with frequent issues and high repair costs, based on millions of MOT tests analyzed by Dave.

16,427,000 MOT records analyzed DVSA sourced data
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Citroen Cars to Avoid

Citroen DS3
🚫

Citroen DS3 (2011–2012)

2011–2012

Risk Score
6.6/10

Key Issues

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Citroen C3
🛞

Citroen C3 (2010–2012)

2010–2012

Risk Score
6.2/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Brakes defects
  • Brakes defects

Average Repair Cost

£210 – £1,200

Estimated £210 – £1,200

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Citroen C4
🚫

Citroen C4 (2010–2010)

2010–2010

Risk Score
5.8/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Tyres defects
  • Brakes defects

Average Repair Cost

£180 – £1,050

Estimated £180 – £1,050

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Worst for Corrosion Chronic Electrical Problems Known Engine Defects

Failure Rate By Mileage

Mileage breakdown data available after MOT bulk import

Run php artisan mot:bulk-import

Check if a car is risky

Most Avoided Cars (2026)

1 Mazda 3 (2008–2008)
7.5
2 Nissan QASHQAI (2008–2010)
6.6
3 Renault CLIO (2010–2013)
6.4
4 Hyundai I20 (2012–2012)
6.4
5 Peugeot 207 (2009–2009)
6.1

How This Works

  • Millions of MOT records analyzed
  • Failure frequency weighted by age & mileage bands
  • Compared against national averages from DVSA bulk data
  • AI-enhanced narratives layered on real statistics
  • Repair cost estimates sourced from UK garages

FAQs

Risk scores are calculated from real MOT failure rates sourced from DVSA bulk data, weighted by defect severity, repair frequency, mileage-adjusted failure curves, and comparison against national averages.
Data is sourced directly from the DVSA's anonymised MOT bulk data API — the same dataset used by motdata.uk and other industry sites. We aggregate millions of real test outcomes per make/model/year to calculate failure rates, then layer AI-generated analysis on top.
Not necessarily. Individual vehicles may differ. Always check a specific car's history. These are statistical trends, not guarantees of problems.

Dave's Tip

Before considering any used car purchase, check its complete MOT history before buying. It could save you thousands.

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About this data

This information is compiled from DVSA published MOT failure statistics, manufacturer recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), and widely documented engineering defects. Individual vehicles may differ — always check a specific car's history before buying.

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