The picture
Zt-T: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 1,248 MOT tests, the Zt-T returns 67.1% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a defective headlamp lens. A weak handbrake and a corroded brake pipe round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 121,553, 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
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
75 occurrences · 6.0% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
72 occurrences · 5.8% of tests
- 03
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
52 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 04
An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction
49 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 05
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
49 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 06
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
48 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 07
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
44 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 08
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
42 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 09
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
42 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 10
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
40 occurrences · 3.2% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 3 failures
£60–£250
If every one of this ZT T'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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Tools that pre-empt a retest.
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 ZT T?
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 ZT T 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.