The picture
Db7: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 2,158 MOT tests, the Db7 returns 85.5% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is parking brake inoperative on one side. A weak handbrake and a defective wiper blade round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 53,498, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
Parking brake inoperative on one side
38 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
32 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 03
Wiper blade defective
30 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
28 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 05
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
28 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 06
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
26 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
24 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 08
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
23 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 09
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
23 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 10
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
20 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Db7?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Db7 and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.