The picture
Skyline: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 2,237 MOT tests, the Skyline returns 85.2% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a torn suspension dust cover. A defective headlamp lens and headlamp aim out of spec round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 86,509, 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 suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
55 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 02
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
50 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 03
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
39 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 04
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
38 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 05
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
38 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 06
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
37 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 07
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
33 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 08
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
33 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
31 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 10
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
29 occurrences · 1.3% 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 4 failures
£180–£640
If every one of this Skyline'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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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 Skyline?
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 Skyline 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.