The picture
Seven (S3): a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 1,288 MOT tests, the Seven (S3) returns 86.0% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a torn steering gaiter. Windscreen damage and lambda coefficient outside the default limits round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 26,352, 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
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
21 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 02
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
21 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 03
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
19 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 04
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
17 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 05
An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
15 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 06
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
13 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade defective
13 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 08
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
12 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 09
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
12 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 10
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
11 occurrences · 0.9% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£160–£480
If every one of this Seven (s3)'s most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Buying or keeping a Seven (s3)?
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 Seven (s3) 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.