The picture
Tl1000s: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 458 MOT tests, the Tl1000s returns 82.1% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a non-functioning shock absorber. Direction indicator lamp missing and uneven braking force round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 28,913, 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 shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
10 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 02
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
9 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 03
Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution
7 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 04
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
6 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 05
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
5 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 06
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
5 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 07
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
5 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 08
A brake lining or pad contaminated with oil, grease etc
4 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 09
Contaminated with oil, grease etc
3 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 10
A lamp missing or inoperative
3 occurrences · 0.7% 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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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 Tl1000s?
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 Tl1000s 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.