The picture
159: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 5,528 MOT tests, the 159 returns 65.2% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a weak handbrake. A broken or weak spring and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 118,596, 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
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
388 occurrences · 7.0% of tests
- 02
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
386 occurrences · 7.0% 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
262 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 04
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
240 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 05
A tyre cords visible or damaged
197 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 06
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
188 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 07
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
176 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
169 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 09
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
146 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 10
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
123 occurrences · 2.2% 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 3 failures
£200–£430
If every one of this 159'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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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 159?
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 159 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.