The picture
Streetwise: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 659 MOT tests, the Streetwise returns 65.9% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. A missing CV-joint boot and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 78,226, 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
60 occurrences · 9.1% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
57 occurrences · 8.6% of tests
- 03
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
30 occurrences · 4.6% of tests
- 04
Wiper blade defective
23 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 05
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
23 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 06
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
22 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 07
A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
20 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 08
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
20 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 09
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
17 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 10
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
16 occurrences · 2.4% 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.
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
Tools that pre-empt a retest.
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 Streetwise?
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 Streetwise 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.