The picture
900: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 3,109 MOT tests, the 900 returns 69.0% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. Windscreen damage and a weak handbrake round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 131,020, 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
264 occurrences · 8.5% of tests
- 02
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
149 occurrences · 4.8% of tests
- 03
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
127 occurrences · 4.1% of tests
- 04
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
112 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 05
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
111 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 06
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
86 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 07
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
75 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
73 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 09
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
70 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 10
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
68 occurrences · 2.2% 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 900?
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 900 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.