UK MOT data · free answer
Are older cars more likely to fail an MOT?
By CARMOTIQ research team · Age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) · Min 25k tests per model in ranking tables
Data created
Older used cars often show weaker MOT outcomes than newer ones in the same make/model family — but you must compare like-for-like age bands and watch sample size. CARMOTIQ tools organise research into bands such as 3–5, 5–10, 10–15 and 15–20 years so you do not mix a three-year-old hatchback with a fifteen-year-old example of the same badge.
The public ranking table on this site defaults to 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) with at least 25k tests per model (10.5M tests across the listed set as of 5 July 2026). That band answers “typical family used cars,” not every age. For other bands, use the brand matrix age selector or Compare with matching age blocks.
What age trends do not prove
Rising MOT failure share with age is still a roadworthiness-testing signal. It is not a forecast of breakdowns or maintenance cost. When samples shrink in older bands, treat rates cautiously and prefer models with large test counts.
The table below restates the 5–10 year high-volume leaders so you have citeable HTML figures on this URL, then move into age-banded tools for the cars you are actually shopping.
High-volume models by MOT pass rate (5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021))
Source: UK DVSA MOT outcomes. Pass rate is the share of recorded tests that passed — not a reliability rating. Figures appear in the table below (HTML), not only in charts.
| Rank | ModelMake / model | PassMOT pass rate | TestsMOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus RX | 94.1% | 36k |
| 2 | Lexus UX | 94.1% | 31k |
| 3 | Porsche Macan | 92.5% | 64k |
| 4 | Jaguar I-Pace | 92.2% | 42k |
| 5 | Lexus NX | 92% | 87k |
| 6 | Mazda CX-30 | 91.9% | 38k |
| 7 | Honda Jazz | 91.7% | 447k |
| 8 | Mazda MX-5 | 91.6% | 77k |
| 9 | Volkswagen T-ROC | 91.4% | 241k |
| 10 | Audi Q2 | 91.3% | 251k |
See the full top-50 table.
Next step
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Data source and methodology
- Source: UK DVSA MOT test outcomes (aggregated make/model research).
- Default public ranking age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021).
- Minimum tests filter on ranking tables: 25k per model.
- What MOT does not prove: breakdowns, repair cost, or that you should buy a particular car. See About CARMOTIQ.
Frequently asked questions
Are older cars more likely to fail an MOT?
- Buyers often see weaker MOT outcomes in older registration bands, but you must compare like-for-like age bands and watch sample size. CARMOTIQ tools use bands such as 3–5, 5–10, 10–15 and 15–20 years.
Which age band should I use?
- Match the age of cars you are shopping. The public ranking table defaults to 5–10 years. The brand matrix lets you change age band for free preview research.