The picture

R5: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass

Across 765 MOT tests, the R5 returns 73.7% 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 steering gaiter and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 78,222, 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.

ABI Insurance Group

Group 8–24

Below the fleet average — generally reasonable to insure. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.

Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →

8–24

out of 50

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Top ten reasons for rejection.

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01

A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier

47 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
02

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

41 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
03

Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

36 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
04

Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.

36 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
05

Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view

32 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
06

Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement

30 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
07

A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

27 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
08

Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

26 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
09

A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources

25 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
10

Emissions levels exceed default limits

25 occurrences · 1.4% 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 an R5?

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 an R5 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.