The picture
Cmx 500 A-K: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 471 MOT tests, the Cmx 500 A-K returns 92.8% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is tyre tread under the limit. A non-functioning shock absorber and direction indicator lamp missing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 5,166, 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
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
8 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 02
A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
3 occurrences · 0.6% of tests
- 03
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 04
Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 05
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 06
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
1 occurrences · 0.2% of tests
- 07
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
1 occurrences · 0.2% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
1 occurrences · 0.2% of tests
- 09
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
1 occurrences · 0.2% of tests
- 10
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
1 occurrences · 0.2% 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 Cmx 500 A K?
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 Cmx 500 A K 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.