The picture
Cortina: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 807 MOT tests, the Cortina returns 88.2% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. Brakes imbalance across an axle such and a defective wiper blade round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 47,348, 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
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
16 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 02
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.
10 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 03
Wiper blade defective
10 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 04
Emissions levels exceed default limits
10 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 05
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
9 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 06
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
8 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 07
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
7 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
7 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 09
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
7 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 10
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
7 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 Cortina?
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 Cortina 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.