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Cars With the Worst Structural Failures

The models that record structural failures defects at MOT most often, from DVSA test data.

Of the models with at least 5,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2004 to March 2026, the Smart Fortwo Coupe records the most structure defects and advisories: 2.1 per 100 tests against a UK average of 0.4 per 100 tests across 5,595 tests.

Data: DVSA MOT test results, 2004 to March 2026. Counts include advisories as well as failure items, and older fleets naturally record more wear.

Models with the most structure items recorded at MOT, per 100 tests
Rank Model Items per 100 tests Times UK average Tests
1 Smart Fortwo Coupe 2.1 5.3x 5,595
2 Suzuki Jimny 1.5 3.8x 5,878
3 Saab 9-3 1.4 3.5x 10,567
4 Jaguar X-Type 1.3 3.3x 6,420
5 Citroen Xsara 1.2 2.9x 7,237
6 Volvo V70 1.2 3.1x 11,883
7 Honda Accord 1.2 2.9x 6,941
8 Peugeot 307 1.1 2.8x 7,919
9 Mitsubishi Shogun 1 2.6x 6,953
10 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1 2.4x 5,564
11 Mazda 3 0.9 2.2x 20,649
12 Toyota Avensis 0.9 2.2x 14,064
13 Mitsubishi Outlander 0.9 2.1x 10,630
14 Mazda MX-5 0.9 2.2x 26,924
15 MINI Mini 0.8 1.9x 72,473
16 Mazda 6 0.8 1.9x 11,036
17 Vauxhall Vectra 0.8 1.9x 7,845
18 Ford Fusion 0.8 1.9x 15,316
19 Honda Civic 0.7 1.8x 63,446
20 Ford Galaxy 0.7 1.6x 12,125
21 Volkswagen Beetle 0.7 1.8x 11,262
22 Fiat Punto 0.7 1.8x 12,890
23 Land Rover Defender 0.7 1.6x 31,238
24 Land Rover Freelander 0.7 1.7x 33,091
25 Volkswagen Sharan 0.7 1.8x 6,242

Items are every structure defect and advisory recorded, grouped from the tester's notes. Methodology.

Other failure types

Corrosion & Rust Brake Failures Suspension Failures Electrical Faults Lighting Failures Tyre Failures Steering Faults Exhaust & Emissions Failures Bodywork Defects Drivetrain Faults Fuel System Faults Windscreen Defects

Cars most likely to fail an MOT

The 50 lowest pass rates in the UK.

MOT advisories explained

What each advisory means and what it costs to fix.