The picture
Express: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 5,738 MOT tests, the Express returns 62.2% first-time pass — well 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 a missing CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 82,530, 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
744 occurrences · 13.0% 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
661 occurrences · 11.5% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
381 occurrences · 6.6% of tests
- 04
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
342 occurrences · 6.0% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
320 occurrences · 5.6% of tests
- 06
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
260 occurrences · 4.5% of tests
- 07
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
231 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 08
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
219 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 09
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
208 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 10
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
206 occurrences · 3.6% 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 Express?
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 Express 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.