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 2012
Clear allWorst Cars Overall
Citroen DS3 (2011–2012)
2011–2012
Key Issues
Hyundai I20 (2012–2012)
2012–2012
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Lights defects
Average Repair Cost
£145 – £950
Estimated £145 – £950
Renault CLIO (2010–2013)
2010–2013
Key Issues
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£180 – £1,050
Estimated £180 – £1,050
Citroen C3 (2010–2012)
2010–2012
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Brakes defects
Average Repair Cost
£210 – £1,200
Estimated £210 – £1,200
Nissan QASHQAI (2008–2014)
2008–2014
Key Issues
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Renault MEGANE (2009–2014)
2009–2014
Key Issues
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£180 – £1,050
Estimated £180 – £1,050
Ford FIESTA (2008–2014)
2008–2014
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£150 – £900
Estimated £150 – £900
Fiat 500 (2010–2013)
2010–2013
Key Issues
- Brakes defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£210 – £1,200
Estimated £210 – £1,200
Peugeot 207 (2011–2012)
2011–2012
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
Average Repair Cost
£180 – £1,050
Estimated £180 – £1,050
Volkswagen POLO (2008–2017)
2008–2017
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
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 (3)
Citroen DS3
2011–2012
The Citroen DS3 (2011-2012) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 31.9%.
Renault CLIO
2010–2013
The Renault CLIO (2010-2013) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 30.6%.
Typical cost: £180 – £1,050
Renault MEGANE
2009–2014
The Renault MEGANE (2009-2014) has a concerning 30.8% MOT failure rate, indicating significant reliability issues.
Typical cost: £180 – £1,050
🔧 Worst for Corrosion (6)
View all 6Mazda 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
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
Vauxhall CORSA
2009–2013
The Vauxhall CORSA (2009-2013) has a high MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion-related issues.
Typical cost: £215 – £1,450
Volkswagen POLO
2008–2017
The Volkswagen POLO (2008-2017) has a high MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Peugeot 107
2012–2012
The Peugeot 107 (2012-2012) has a concerning corrosion failure rate, making it a risky choice.
Typical cost: £145 – £950
⚡ Chronic Electrical Problems (4)
Hyundai I20
2012–2012
The Hyundai I20 (2012-2012) shows concerning electrical problem trends in MOT data.
Typical cost: £145 – £950
Volkswagen GOLF
2010–2012
The Volkswagen Golf (2010-2012) has a concerning failure rate for chronic electrical problems.
Typical cost: £180 – £1,050
Audi A1
2012–2012
The Audi A1 (2012-2012) has a concerning MOT failure rate, particularly for electrical issues.
Typical cost: £210 – £1,200
🔥 Known Engine Defects (8)
View all 8Peugeot 207
2011–2012
The Peugeot 207 (2011-2012) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 28.9%, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £180 – £1,050
Citroen 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
Vauxhall ZAFIRA
2010–2015
The Vauxhall ZAFIRA (2010-2015) has a concerning 24% overall MOT failure rate, indicating reliability issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Fiat 500
2010–2013
The Fiat 500 (2010-2013) shows concerning MOT failure rates, particularly in engine defects.
Typical cost: £210 – £1,200
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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