MOT cost .
Citroen ZX
MOT 2023
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Citroen

ZX

539 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where ZXs pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.

That's 9.7 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,988 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.

Pass

66.0%

Pass-after-fix

3.9%

Fail

29.1%

Avg miles

104,610

Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%

The picture

Zx: a below-average pass rate worth digging into

Across 539 MOT tests, the Zx returns 66.0% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A split CV-joint boot and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 104,610, 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.

  1. 01

    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

    40 occurrences · 7.4% of tests

  2. 02

    A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated

    35 occurrences · 6.5% of tests

  3. 03

    The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

    26 occurrences · 4.8% of tests

  4. 04

    Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.

    23 occurrences · 4.3% of tests

  5. 05

    Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point

    21 occurrences · 3.9% of tests

  6. 06

    Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement

    20 occurrences · 3.7% of tests

  7. 07

    Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement

    20 occurrences · 3.7% of tests

  8. 08

    A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

    20 occurrences · 3.7% of tests

  9. 09

    A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources

    15 occurrences · 2.8% of tests

  10. 10

    Exhaust system leaking or insecure

    14 occurrences · 2.6% 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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Buying or keeping a ZX?

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 ZX 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.