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.
Showing results from 2008
Clear allWorst Cars Overall
Mazda 3 (2008–2008)
2008–2008
Key Issues
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Nissan QASHQAI (2008–2010)
2008–2010
Key Issues
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Citroen C3 (2008–2018)
2008–2018
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Brakes defects
Average Repair Cost
£210 – £1,200
Estimated £210 – £1,200
Ford FIESTA (2008–2014)
2008–2014
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£150 – £900
Estimated £150 – £900
Peugeot 308 (2008–2008)
2008–2008
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Lights defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£185 – £1,300
Estimated £185 – £1,300
Volkswagen POLO (2008–2011)
2008–2011
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Ford S-MAX (2008–2008)
2008–2008
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Ford FOCUS (2008–2013)
2008–2013
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Suspension defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£220 – £1,400
Estimated £220 – £1,400
Toyota YARIS (2008–2008)
2008–2008
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£150 – £900
Estimated £150 – £900
Honda CIVIC (2008–2008)
2008–2008
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Brakes defects
Average Repair Cost
£210 – £1,200
Estimated £210 – £1,200
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)
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
Dave's Tip
Before considering any used car purchase, check its complete MOT history before buying. It could save you thousands.
🚫 Highest MOT Failure Rates (2)
Nissan QASHQAI
2008–2011
The Nissan QASHQAI (2008-2011) has a concerning 31.4% MOT failure rate, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Peugeot 308
2008–2008
The Peugeot 308 (2008-2008) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 30.3%, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £185 – £1,300
🔧 Worst for Corrosion (9)
View all 9Mazda 3
2008–2014
The Mazda 3 (2008-2014) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 25.6%, particularly for corrosion issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Toyota YARIS
2008–2008
The 2008 Toyota Yaris shows a concerning 24.9% overall MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
Ford FOCUS
2008–2012
The Ford FOCUS (2008-2012) has a high MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion-related issues.
Typical cost: £220 – £1,400
Honda CIVIC
2008–2008
The Honda CIVIC (2008-2008) has a concerning 25% MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion.
Typical cost: £210 – £1,200
Ford FIESTA
2008–2008
The Ford FIESTA (2008-2008) has a concerning 28.1% MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
⚡ Chronic Electrical Problems (3)
🔥 Known Engine Defects (8)
View all 8Citroen C3
2008–2018
The Citroen C3 (2008-2018) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 29.1%, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £210 – £1,200
Vauxhall ASTRA
2008–2012
The Vauxhall Astra (2008-2012) has a concerning 24.5% overall MOT failure rate, indicating significant reliability issues.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
Ford S-MAX
2008–2008
The Ford S-MAX (2008-2008) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 27%, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
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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