One in five cars fail their first MOT

An analysis of 24.5 million MOT records shows that the most popular fleet cars sold in 2008 have a 20% of failing their first test.

The data is held by VOSA, the agency responsible for MOTs via the Government’s OpenData scheme, and has been compiled by motoring and car buying advice website honestjohn.co.uk.

According to the site, VOSA has fought to keep the data secret for years, and although some information on MOT failure rates had previously been released to the BBC, this is the first time such extensive records have been published.

Data is searchable by make, model and year; it lists the reasons for failure and also shows the performance of individual cars and brands in relation to average, as well as pass rates by mileage.

Publication of the MOT data has prompted a response from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which said in a statement: “The way a car is looked after, particularly in its early years, plays a vital role in how it will perform in MOT tests. Maintaining a regular servicing schedule at a franchised dealer is the best way to avoid unnecessary MOT failures.

“The Department for Transport and the UK automotive industry recognise that the quality and consistency of MOT testing is an important issue to motorists and are addressing the matter by promoting OFT-approved garages, such as those subscribed to Motor Codes.”

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