The picture
C15: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 1,524 MOT tests, the C15 returns 60.6% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A split CV-joint boot and lamp not securely attached round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 96,163, 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 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
261 occurrences · 17.1% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
144 occurrences · 9.4% of tests
- 03
Lamp not securely attached
97 occurrences · 6.4% of tests
- 04
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
97 occurrences · 6.4% 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
96 occurrences · 6.3% of tests
- 06
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
83 occurrences · 5.4% of tests
- 07
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
82 occurrences · 5.4% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
81 occurrences · 5.3% of tests
- 09
Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement
77 occurrences · 5.1% of tests
- 10
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
77 occurrences · 5.1% 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 C15?
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 C15 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.