The picture
Metro: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 911 MOT tests, the Metro returns 72.8% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and emissions levels exceed default limits round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 49,884, 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 transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
49 occurrences · 5.4% 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
41 occurrences · 4.5% of tests
- 03
Emissions levels exceed default limits
38 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 04
Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement
32 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 05
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.
25 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 06
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
22 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 07
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
20 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
19 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 09
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
19 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 10
Wiper blade defective
18 occurrences · 2.0% 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 Metro?
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 Metro 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.