The picture
Picnic: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 475 MOT tests, the Picnic returns 65.9% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A split CV-joint boot and a number-plate lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 139,579, 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
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
45 occurrences · 9.5% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
42 occurrences · 8.8% of tests
- 03
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
32 occurrences · 6.7% of tests
- 04
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
29 occurrences · 6.1% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
22 occurrences · 4.6% of tests
- 06
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
20 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 07
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
15 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 08
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
14 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 09
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
14 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 10
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
14 occurrences · 2.9% 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 Picnic?
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 Picnic 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.