UK MOT data · free answer
Which car should I choose if MOT performance is important to me?
By CARMOTIQ research team · Age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) · Min 25k tests per model in ranking tables
Data created
If MOT performance matters to you, use a short decision path — not a single “best car” claim. MOT data can narrow a shortlist; it cannot choose the car for you.
- Fix the age band to match cars you will view (default public ranking: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021)).
- Scan pass rates for high-volume models (minimum 25k tests). As of 5 July 2026, leaders include Lexus RX at 94.1%.
- Check failure patterns for your finalists via Compare or a research report — pass rate alone hides whether issues are maintenance or systemic notes.
- Compare two finalists, then inspect the specific cars and use GOV.UK for each registration.
Worked examples: Corsa vs Fiesta and Golf vs Focus. When you are ready, open Compare with your own pair.
Credits are for deeper defect research after the free answer and free preview tools — not a wall on this first screen.
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 |
| 11 | Audi TT | 90.8% | 108k |
| 12 | Volkswagen ID3 | 90.8% | 37k |
See the full top-50 table.
Next step
Free answer pages stop here. Use research tools to shortlist — credits unlock deeper defect detail.
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
Which car should I choose if MOT performance is important?
- Pick two finalists in the same age band, compare pass rates and defect mix, then inspect the specific cars. MOT data cannot name a single best buy.
What is a good next step after this page?
- Open Compare with two models, or read a static head-to-head such as Corsa vs Fiesta / Golf vs Focus, then check GOV.UK for the registration you view.