The picture
407: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 15,391 MOT tests, the 407 returns 64.3% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a missing CV-joint boot. A number-plate lamp out and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 122,713, 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 missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
1,295 occurrences · 8.4% of tests
- 02
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
1,257 occurrences · 8.2% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
1,099 occurrences · 7.1% of tests
- 04
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
720 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 05
Warning device shows system malfunction
605 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 06
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
551 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 07
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
519 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 08
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
502 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 09
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
502 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 10
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
468 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 407?
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 407 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.