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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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Ford Cars to Avoid

Ford FIESTA
🔥

Ford FIESTA (2008–2014)

2008–2014

Risk Score
5.9/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Tyres defects
  • Tyres defects

Average Repair Cost

£150 – £900

Estimated £150 – £900

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Ford S-MAX
🔥

Ford S-MAX (2008–2008)

2008–2008

Risk Score
5.2/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Brakes defects
  • Suspension defects

Average Repair Cost

£250 – £1,550

Estimated £250 – £1,550

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Ford KA
🔧

Ford KA (2010–2010)

2010–2010

Risk Score
5.0/10

Key Issues

  • Brakes defects
  • Tyres defects
  • Suspension defects

Average Repair Cost

£250 – £1,550

Estimated £250 – £1,550

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Ford FOCUS
⚡

Ford FOCUS (2010–2013)

2010–2013

Risk Score
4.8/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Suspension defects
  • Tyres defects

Average Repair Cost

£220 – £1,400

Estimated £220 – £1,400

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Ford C-MAX
🔧

Ford C-MAX (2011–2011)

2011–2011

Risk Score
4.3/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Brakes defects
  • Tyres defects

Average Repair Cost

£180 – £1,050

Estimated £180 – £1,050

View full breakdown
Running Costs Reliability History Owner Complaints
Ford ECOSPORT
🔥

Ford ECOSPORT (2016–2016)

2016–2016

Risk Score
4.0/10

Key Issues

  • Tyres defects
  • Brakes defects
  • Suspension defects

Average Repair Cost

£250 – £1,550

Estimated £250 – £1,550

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 Citroen DS3 (2011–2012)
6.6
3 Nissan QASHQAI (2008–2010)
6.6
4 Renault CLIO (2010–2013)
6.4
5 Hyundai I20 (2012–2012)
6.4

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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