The picture
216: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 1,055 MOT tests, the 216 returns 70.6% first-time pass — 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 a missing CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 81,869, 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
92 occurrences · 8.7% 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
59 occurrences · 5.6% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
52 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
40 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 05
Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement
34 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 06
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
33 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 07
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
31 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 08
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
29 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 09
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
29 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 10
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
28 occurrences · 2.7% 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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Buying or keeping a 216?
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 216 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.