UK MOT data · free answer
Which used cars are least likely to have problems?
By CARMOTIQ research team · Age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) · Min 25k tests per model in ranking tables
Data created
On CARMOTIQ, “problems” means MOT failures and recorded defect patterns— not fewest breakdowns, lowest repair bills, or longest ownership without issues. Those are different questions with different data.
Models with higher MOT pass rates in the 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) band (minimum 25k tests) are a reasonable starting filter. As of 5 July 2026, Lexus RX sits at 94.1% across 36k tests in the public extract (10.5M tests across listed models).
Where failure patterns live
To move from “pass rate” to “what fails,” use Compare for side-by-side defect mix, the failures hub for category context, and research reports for model-level narratives. Paid credits unlock deeper defect research; this page stays free.
Never claim a model has “the fewest problems” in an absolute sense. Claim only what the MOT corpus supports: pass rates, failure shares, and observed defect notes in a defined age band.
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 |
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 have problems?
- On CARMOTIQ, “problems” means MOT failures and recorded defect patterns — not fewest breakdowns. High pass-rate models at 5–10 years are a starting shortlist only.
Where do I see failure categories?
- Use Compare for side-by-side defect mix, the failures hub for category context, and model research reports for deeper patterns. Credits unlock detailed defect research.