The picture
Stag: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 1,126 MOT tests, the Stag returns 81.3% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is windscreen washers not working. Direction indicator lamp missing and a torn suspension dust cover round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 52,925, 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
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
21 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 02
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
20 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 03
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
18 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 04
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
18 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 05
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
17 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 06
Wiper blade defective
16 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
15 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 08
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
14 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 09
Emissions levels exceed default limits
14 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 10
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.
13 occurrences · 1.2% 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 Stag?
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 Stag 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.