The picture
Unclassified: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 966 MOT tests, the Unclassified returns 82.8% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a non-conforming number plate. A missing rear reflector and wheel bearing with excessive play round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 7,576, 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
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
25 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 02
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
22 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 03
A wheel bearing with excessive play
21 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 04
Audible warning not working
21 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing or inoperative
15 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 06
A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
14 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 07
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
13 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 08
An unsuitable tyre fitted
11 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 09
A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released
9 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 10
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
7 occurrences · 0.7% 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 Unclassified?
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 Unclassified 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.