The picture
Continental: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 12,070 MOT tests, the Continental returns 90.1% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the engine warning light staying lit. A seriously damaged tyre and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 51,444, 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
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
170 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 02
A tyre seriously damaged
115 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 03
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
107 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 04
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
103 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 05
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
97 occurrences · 0.8% of tests
- 06
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
81 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 07
A tyre cords visible or damaged
79 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 08
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
78 occurrences · 0.6% of tests
- 09
A tyre seriously damaged
60 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 10
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
46 occurrences · 0.4% 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.
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Buying or keeping a Continental?
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 Continental 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.