UK MOT data · free answer
Which used cars have the best MOT pass rates?
By CARMOTIQ research team · Age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) · Min 25k tests per model in ranking tables
Data created
Buyers searching for the best MOT pass rates want a clear, evidence-backed shortlist — not a slogan about “the most reliable car.” CARMOTIQ ranks high-volume UK used models by the share of recorded DVSA MOT tests that passed in the 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) band.
As of 5 July 2026, the public table covers 10.5M MOT tests across the listed models, with at least 25k tests per model. In that extract, Lexus RX leads at 94.1% across 36k tests, with Lexus UX close behind at 94.1%.
How to read the ranking
Pass rate is a population signal for a make and model in one age band. It is not a score for the car on a forecourt. Always keep the age band, sample size, and DVSA source in view when you quote a figure — the table on this page includes those fields in HTML.
Use the full top-50 MOT pass-rate table for the complete list, then compare two models in the same age band before you shortlist adverts. Brand hubs such as Ford add make-level context.
CARMOTIQ research draws on 557 million UK MOT tests overall. Public answer pages reuse the same curated ranking export so Search and readers see stable, citeable numbers — then a clear path into free compare tools and paid defect research when you need more depth.
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 |
| 21 | Toyota Prius | 90.1% | 338k |
| 22 | Lexus IS | 90% | 32k |
| 23 | Toyota RAV4 | 89.8% | 220k |
| 24 | Volkswagen T-Cross | 89.8% | 69k |
| 25 | Skoda Kamiq | 89.8% | 43k |
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 have the best MOT pass rates?
- In the CARMOTIQ 5–10 year table (minimum 25k tests per model), Lexus RX leads at 94.1% across 36k DVSA tests. Pass rate is not a reliability rating.
Is the highest MOT pass rate the most reliable car?
- No. MOT pass rate is the share of recorded tests that passed. It does not prove breakdowns, repair cost, or the condition of one seller’s car.
What age band does this ranking use?
- 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021). Always compare models in the same age band.