The picture
147: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 3,111 MOT tests, the 147 returns 64.6% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is worn suspension bushes. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 97,406, 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 suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
201 occurrences · 6.5% 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
146 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
125 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 04
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
120 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 05
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
109 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 06
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
106 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 07
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
101 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
92 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 09
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
90 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 10
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
87 occurrences · 2.8% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£140–£420
If every one of this 147's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Build your own retest budget.
Buying or keeping a 147?
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 147 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.