The picture
228: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 652 MOT tests, the 228 returns 82.7% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a seriously damaged tyre. Shock absorber damaged to the extent and a seriously damaged tyre round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 50,752, 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
A tyre seriously damaged
30 occurrences · 4.6% of tests
- 02
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
13 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 03
A tyre seriously damaged
12 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
11 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 05
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
8 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 06
A headlamp cleaning device inoperative in the case of LED or gas discharge systems (HID)
8 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 07
A tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. This includes any lifting of the tread rubber
8 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade defective
7 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 09
A wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud
7 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 10
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
7 occurrences · 1.1% 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 228?
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 228 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.