UK MOT data · free answer
Which used cars are least 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
“Least likely to fail an MOT” is the flip side of MOT pass rate in a fixed age band. If a high-volume model records a higher share of passes among DVSA tests, its implied failure share is lower — for roadworthiness testing outcomes, not for breakdowns or garage bills.
In the 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) ranking (minimum 25k tests), Lexus RX shows a 94.1% pass rate across 36k tests as of 5 July 2026. That is the same live extract behind CARMOTIQ’s public leaderboard (10.5M tests across the listed models).
Failure categories and next research
Pass rate alone does not show whether failures are tyres, lamps, brakes, or structural notes. For pattern detail, open a model research report preview, read a static head-to-head such as Golf vs Focus, or use Compare for side-by-side defect mix. Credits unlock deeper defect research — this answer page stays free and uncapped by a credit wall.
Do not treat a strong pass rate as “few problems forever.” Treat it as a shortlist filter, then inspect the car and check the registration on GOV.UK.
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 |
| 13 | Volvo XC40 | 90.6% | 198k |
| 14 | Honda HR-V | 90.6% | 135k |
| 15 | Audi E-Tron | 90.6% | 28k |
| 16 | Honda CR-V | 90.4% | 247k |
| 17 | Skoda Karoq | 90.4% | 187k |
| 18 | Porsche Cayenne | 90.3% | 35k |
| 19 | Toyota Corolla | 90.2% | 179k |
| 20 | Lexus CT | 90.2% | 58k |
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 used cars are least likely to fail an MOT?
- Using MOT pass rate as the inverse of failure share at 5–10 years, Lexus RX (94.1%) and Lexus UX (94.1%) sit near the top of high-volume models. Failure likelihood here means MOT outcomes, not breakdowns.
Does a high pass rate mean few future problems?
- No. It only summarises past MOT results for that make and model in an age band. Defect detail and registration checks are separate steps.