The picture
Xj: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 557 MOT tests, the Xj returns 86.9% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is tyre tread under the limit. Uneven braking force and a missing rear reflector round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 20,177, 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
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
6 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 02
Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution
4 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 03
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
4 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 04
Projected beam image is obviously incorrect
4 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 05
Handlebar mounting insecure
3 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 06
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
3 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 07
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 08
Handlebar grip insecure to handlebar
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 09
A lamp missing or inoperative
2 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 10
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
2 occurrences · 0.4% 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 XJ?
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 XJ 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.