The picture
Sh125: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 497 MOT tests, the Sh125 returns 81.9% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a binding brake. A non-functioning shock absorber and brake efficiency below minimum requirement round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 24,436, 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
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
13 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 02
A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
11 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 03
Brake efficiency below minimum requirement
9 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 04
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
9 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 05
Brake control has insufficient reserve travel
7 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 06
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
5 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 07
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
5 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 08
A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released
5 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 09
A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
5 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 10
A lamp missing or inoperative
4 occurrences · 0.8% 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 Sh125?
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 Sh125 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.