The picture
Cavalier: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 1,465 MOT tests, the Cavalier returns 75.4% first-time pass — roughly in line with the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A split CV-joint boot and a torn steering gaiter round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 96,569, 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
117 occurrences · 8.0% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
49 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 03
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
44 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
36 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 05
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
33 occurrences · 2.3% of tests
- 06
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.
30 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 07
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
30 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 08
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
29 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 09
Exhaust system leaking or insecure
28 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 10
Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer
24 occurrences · 1.6% 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 a Cavalier?
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 Cavalier 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.