The picture
106: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 7,920 MOT tests, the 106 returns 65.0% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and lambda coefficient outside the default limits round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 78,924, 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 transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
452 occurrences · 5.7% 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
449 occurrences · 5.7% of tests
- 03
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
399 occurrences · 5.0% 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.
372 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 05
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
350 occurrences · 4.4% of tests
- 06
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
320 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 07
Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement
309 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 08
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
279 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 09
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
262 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 10
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
238 occurrences · 3.0% 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 106?
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 106 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.