The picture
Chimaera: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 2,716 MOT tests, the Chimaera returns 85.2% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is windscreen damage. A weak handbrake and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 57,001, 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
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
36 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
32 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 03
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
31 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 04
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
29 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 05
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
28 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 06
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
27 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 07
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
26 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
26 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 09
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
25 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
- 10
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
25 occurrences · 0.9% 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.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£160–£480
If every one of this Chimaera's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Buying or keeping a Chimaera?
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 Chimaera 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.