The picture
Midget: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 935 MOT tests, the Midget returns 80.8% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is brakes imbalance across an axle such. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 41,708, 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
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.
28 occurrences · 3.0% 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
23 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 03
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
22 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 04
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
18 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 05
Audible warning inoperative
16 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 06
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
15 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 07
Stop lamps all missing or inoperative
15 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 08
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
14 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 09
Emissions levels exceed default limits
14 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 10
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
13 occurrences · 1.4% 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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Buying or keeping a Midget?
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 Midget 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.