The picture
Rodeo: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 7,289 MOT tests, the Rodeo returns 64.5% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. A torn suspension dust cover and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 123,987, 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 rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
635 occurrences · 8.7% of tests
- 02
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
432 occurrences · 5.9% of tests
- 03
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
412 occurrences · 5.7% of tests
- 04
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
368 occurrences · 5.0% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
364 occurrences · 5.0% of tests
- 06
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
354 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 07
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
340 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
241 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 09
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
238 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 10
A shock absorber bush excessively worn
236 occurrences · 3.2% 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 3 failures
£168–£515
If every one of this Rodeo'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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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 Rodeo?
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 Rodeo 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.