The picture
88: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 2,207 MOT tests, the 88 returns 73.8% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a lamp out. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and windscreen washers not working round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 53,038, 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
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
103 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 02
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
73 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 03
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
69 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 04
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
60 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 05
Stop lamps all missing or inoperative
48 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 06
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
47 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 07
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
46 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 08
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
43 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 09
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
42 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 10
An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
42 occurrences · 1.9% 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 88?
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 88 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.