The picture
Delica: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 1,830 MOT tests, the Delica returns 66.8% 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 number-plate lamp out and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 123,638, 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
163 occurrences · 8.9% of tests
- 02
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
134 occurrences · 7.3% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
97 occurrences · 5.3% of tests
- 04
An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
89 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 05
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
89 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 06
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
87 occurrences · 4.8% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
76 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 08
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
64 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 09
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
54 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 10
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
49 occurrences · 2.7% 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.
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
Tools that pre-empt a retest.
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 Delica?
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 Delica 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.