The picture
Expert: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 67,656 MOT tests, the Expert returns 69.9% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. A split CV-joint boot and a missing CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 106,104, 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 rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
5,060 occurrences · 7.5% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
5,001 occurrences · 7.4% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
4,300 occurrences · 6.4% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
3,155 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
2,873 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 06
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
2,006 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
1,828 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 08
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
1,598 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 09
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
1,596 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 10
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
1,594 occurrences · 2.4% 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.
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
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 Expert?
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 Expert 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.