The picture
230: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 1,109 MOT tests, the 230 returns 72.9% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A torn suspension dust cover and a lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 116,453, 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
58 occurrences · 5.2% of tests
- 02
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
54 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 03
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
43 occurrences · 3.9% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
39 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 05
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
37 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 06
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
36 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 07
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
36 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 08
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
28 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 09
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
27 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 10
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
26 occurrences · 2.3% 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 2 failures
£160–£480
If every one of this 230'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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Build your own retest budget.
Buying or keeping a 230?
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 230 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.