The picture
Zx-6r: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 5,203 MOT tests, the Zx-6r returns 81.1% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a non-functioning shock absorber. Tyre tread under the limit and a binding brake round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 27,419, 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
140 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 02
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
80 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 03
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
66 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 04
A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
60 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 05
Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute
60 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 06
Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
58 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 07
Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear
54 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 08
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
50 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 09
Audible warning not working
48 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 10
Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm
44 occurrences · 0.8% 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 ZX 6R?
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 ZX 6R 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.