MOT cost .

Vauxhall

Nova

989 MOT tests analysed. sits above the UK fleet average — here's where Novas pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.

That's 4.6 points above the UK fleet average across our 1,988 tracked models — a confident result.

Pass

80.3%

Pass-after-fix

4.7%

Fail

13.9%

Avg miles

54,244

Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%

The picture

Nova: above-average pass rates, with caveats

Across 989 MOT tests, the Nova returns 80.3% first-time pass — above 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 54,244, 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.

  1. 01

    A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated

    50 occurrences · 5.1% of tests

  2. 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

    45 occurrences · 4.6% of tests

  3. 03

    A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

    25 occurrences · 2.5% of tests

  4. 04

    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.

    24 occurrences · 2.4% of tests

  5. 05

    Emissions levels exceed default limits

    24 occurrences · 2.4% of tests

  6. 06

    The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

    16 occurrences · 1.6% of tests

  7. 07

    A wheel bearing with excessive play

    14 occurrences · 1.4% of tests

  8. 08

    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

    14 occurrences · 1.4% of tests

  9. 09

    A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

    14 occurrences · 1.4% of tests

  10. 10

    Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view

    13 occurrences · 1.3% 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 Nova?

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 Nova 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.