The picture
Cerbera: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 497 MOT tests, the Cerbera returns 85.1% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is windscreen washers not working. Emissions levels exceed default limits and emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 47,201, 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
10 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 02
Emissions levels exceed default limits
9 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 03
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
8 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 04
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
8 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 05
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 06
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 07
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 08
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 09
Emissions test unable to be completed
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 10
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
6 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.
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
Buying or keeping a Cerbera?
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 Cerbera 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.