Talbot
Express
13,120 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where Expresss pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 15.4 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.
Pass
62.1%
Pass-after-fix
5.0%
Fail
31.3%
Avg miles
82,523
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
Trim variants
The picture
Express: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 5,738 MOT tests, the Express returns 62.2% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a missing CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 82,530, 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.
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- 01
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
1,249 occurrences · 9.5% 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
1,180 occurrences · 9.0% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
783 occurrences · 6.0% of tests
- 04
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
644 occurrences · 4.9% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
589 occurrences · 4.5% of tests
- 06
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
561 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 07
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
486 occurrences · 3.7% of tests
- 08
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
413 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 09
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
391 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 10
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
370 occurrences · 2.8% 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 Express?
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 Express 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.