The picture
Capri: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 2,766 MOT tests, the Capri returns 82.7% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is emissions levels exceed default limits. A number-plate lamp out and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 51,647, 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
Emissions levels exceed default limits
66 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 02
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
63 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 03
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
60 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 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.
55 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 05
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
53 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 06
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
48 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 07
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
44 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 08
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
44 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 09
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
31 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 10
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
31 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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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 Capri?
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 Capri 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.