The picture
Pt Cruiser: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 3,322 MOT tests, the Pt Cruiser returns 65.3% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is headlamp aim out of spec. A defective headlamp lens and worn suspension bushes round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 89,021, 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
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
272 occurrences · 8.2% of tests
- 02
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
250 occurrences · 7.5% of tests
- 03
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
142 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 04
A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
137 occurrences · 4.1% of tests
- 05
Warning device shows system malfunction
129 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 06
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
127 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 07
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
126 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
125 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 09
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
112 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 10
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
112 occurrences · 3.4% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 4 failures
£180–£640
If every one of this PT Cruiser'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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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 PT Cruiser?
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 PT Cruiser 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.