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 2014
Clear allWorst Cars Overall
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
Volkswagen POLO (2008–2017)
2008–2017
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Nissan JUKE (2014–2014)
2014–2014
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Mazda 3 (2008–2014)
2008–2014
Key Issues
- Suspension defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Vauxhall ZAFIRA (2010–2015)
2010–2015
Key Issues
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
- Suspension defects
Average Repair Cost
£250 – £1,550
Estimated £250 – £1,550
Vauxhall ASTRA (2011–2014)
2011–2014
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£150 – £900
Estimated £150 – £900
Peugeot 208 (2013–2019)
2013–2019
Key Issues
- Tyres defects
- Brakes defects
- Tyres defects
Average Repair Cost
£180 – £1,050
Estimated £180 – £1,050
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 (1)
🔧 Worst for Corrosion (2)
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
Volkswagen POLO
2008–2017
The Volkswagen POLO (2008-2017) has a high MOT failure rate, particularly for corrosion issues.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
⚡ Chronic Electrical Problems (1)
🔥 Known Engine Defects (6)
View all 6Peugeot 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
Nissan JUKE
2014–2014
The Nissan JUKE (2014-2014) has significant reliability concerns, particularly with engine defects.
Typical cost: £250 – £1,550
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 (4)
Nissan QASHQAI
2008–2014
The Nissan QASHQAI (2008-2014) has a concerning suspension failure rate, warranting caution.
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
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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