The picture
Rx-8: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 4,055 MOT tests, the Rx-8 returns 71.7% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a defective headlamp lens. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and the engine warning light staying lit round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 65,489, 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
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
197 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 02
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
168 occurrences · 4.1% of tests
- 03
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
146 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 04
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
124 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 05
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
114 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 06
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
110 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 07
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
108 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 08
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
107 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 09
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
101 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 10
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
100 occurrences · 2.5% 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 RX 8?
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 RX 8 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.