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 2013
Clear allWorst Cars Overall
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 (2008–2018)
2008–2018
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
Volkswagen POLO (2008–2017)
2008–2017
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Vauxhall CORSA (2012–2013)
2012–2013
Key Issues
- Brakes defects
- Lights defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£215 – £1,450
Estimated £215 – £1,450
Mazda 3 (2008–2014)
2008–2014
Key Issues
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Ford FOCUS (2010–2013)
2010–2013
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Suspension defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£220 – £1,400
Estimated £220 – £1,400
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)
🔧 Worst for Corrosion (4)
Mazda 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
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
Jaguar XF
2012–2013
The Jaguar XF (2012-2013) has a high MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion issues.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
⚡ Chronic Electrical Problems (1)
🔥 Known Engine Defects (7)
View all 7Peugeot 208
2013–2019
The Peugeot 208 (2013-2019) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 23.2%, 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 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
Ford FIESTA
2008–2014
The Ford FIESTA (2008-2014) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 28%, particularly in engine defects.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
🛞 Expensive Suspension Problems (6)
View all 6Nissan QASHQAI
2008–2014
The Nissan QASHQAI (2008-2014) has a concerning suspension failure rate, warranting caution.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Nissan JUKE
2013–2017
The Nissan JUKE (2013-2017) has a high incidence of costly suspension failures.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
Audi A1
2011–2014
The Audi A1 (2011-2014) has a concerning failure rate for suspension issues, warranting caution.
Typical cost: £210 – £1,200
Vauxhall ASTRA
2011–2014
The Vauxhall Astra (2011-2014) has a concerning rate of expensive suspension problems.
Typical cost: £150 – £900
Toyota AURIS
2013–2013
The Toyota AURIS (2013-2013) has a concerning failure rate for suspension issues, making it a risky choice.
Typical cost: £180 – £1,050
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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