The picture
Scimitar: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 513 MOT tests, the Scimitar returns 80.5% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is emissions levels exceed default limits. Direction indicator lamp missing and a number-plate lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 58,453, 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
Emissions levels exceed default limits
15 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 02
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
12 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 03
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
12 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 04
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
10 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
10 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 06
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
9 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 07
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
9 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 08
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
8 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 09
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
8 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 10
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
7 occurrences · 1.4% 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 Scimitar?
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 Scimitar 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.