The picture
Rc: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 540 MOT tests, the Rc returns 72.2% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a non-functioning shock absorber. A missing rear reflector and a binding brake round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 13,213, 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 shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
24 occurrences · 4.4% of tests
- 02
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
14 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 03
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
13 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 04
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
13 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 05
Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute
12 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 06
A footrest missing or insecure
10 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 07
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
9 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 08
Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted
9 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 09
A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released
9 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 10
A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
9 occurrences · 1.7% 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 RC?
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 RC 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.