The picture
Partner: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 191,699 MOT tests, the Partner returns 69.5% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. Windscreen damage and a lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 93,529, 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 rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
15,889 occurrences · 8.3% of tests
- 02
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
9,177 occurrences · 4.8% of tests
- 03
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
9,063 occurrences · 4.7% of tests
- 04
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
7,363 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 05
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
7,355 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 06
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
7,106 occurrences · 3.7% of tests
- 07
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
6,731 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 08
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
6,277 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 09
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
4,560 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 10
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
4,467 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.
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 Partner?
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 Partner 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.