The picture
R1100: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 1,457 MOT tests, the R1100 returns 87.8% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a non-functioning shock absorber. A binding brake and tyre tread under the limit round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 43,958, 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 shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely
21 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 02
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
14 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 03
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
14 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 04
Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution
10 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 05
Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute
9 occurrences · 0.6% of tests
- 06
Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn
8 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 07
A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released
8 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 08
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
8 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 09
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
7 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 10
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
7 occurrences · 0.5% 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 R1100?
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 R1100 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.