The picture
280: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 1,153 MOT tests, the 280 returns 79.1% first-time pass — roughly in line with the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A torn suspension dust cover and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 91,286, 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
32 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 02
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
28 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 03
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
24 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 04
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
23 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 05
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
22 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 06
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
19 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 07
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
18 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
17 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 09
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
17 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 10
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
17 occurrences · 1.5% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£160–£480
If every one of this 280's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Buying or keeping a 280?
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 280 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.