The picture
700 Series: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 1,170 MOT tests, the 700 Series returns 70.8% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 131,654, 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 rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
65 occurrences · 5.6% 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
63 occurrences · 5.4% of tests
- 03
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
50 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 04
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
50 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 05
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
48 occurrences · 4.1% of tests
- 06
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
33 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 07
Emissions levels exceed default limits
33 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
33 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 09
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
32 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 10
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
32 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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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 700 Series?
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 700 Series 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.