Car's With The Highest MOT Failure Rate in 2024

No. tested: 1,380 

Pass: 675

Fail: 705

Pass rate: 48.9%

The name "Lacetti" might sound fancy, but don’t let it fool you—this early 2000s family hatchback didn’t offer much in the way of luxury.

Sure, it was partly designed by the legendary Italdesign studio and had plenty of interior space at a budget-friendly price, but the build quality left a lot to be desired. Since production ended in 2011, the number of Lacettis on the road has nosedived. It wasn’t exactly a thrilling car to drive, its engines were gas-guzzlers, and even in 2005, it already felt outdated.

This year alone, 1,380 Lacettis have been tested for their MOT, and 705 didn’t pass on the first try. That’s not exactly a glowing track record!

No. tested: 19,584

Pass: 9,513

Fail: 10,071

Pass rate: 48.6%

Here’s that popular French family hatchback—the Peugeot 307. It sold pretty well between 2001 and 2007, but its reputation for reliability? Not so great. The stats back it up, too.

Of the roughly 19,500 tested for an MOT this year (January to October), only 48.6% passed on the first try.

You can snag a 307 for a super low price these days, but if you can stretch your budget, you’re better off going for a similar-age VW Golf. It’s more fun to drive, feels classier, and is way more durable.

No. tested: 5,791

Pass: 2,805

Fail: 2,986

Pass rate: 48.4%

The Aveo was sold in two versions: the first from 2008 to 2011, and the second from 2011 to 2015. Designed by General Motors’ European division, it was a budget-friendly option that stood out for being surprisingly fun to drive—especially the second generation, which felt more refined than you’d expect for its price point.

One of its big selling points back then was the five-year warranty, one of the best around at the time.

Fast forward nine years, though, and things aren’t looking so great for the Aveo. Of the ones still on the road, only 48.4% are passing their MOTs on the first try.

No. tested: 1,584

Pass: 754

Fail: 830

Pass rate: 47.6%

The third—and final—Chevrolet on this list is the Kalos, proving that most of Chevy’s early 2000s European models aren’t aging all that gracefully.

Out of nearly 1,600 tested for an MOT in 2024, 47.6% didn’t make the cut.

Sure, Kalos models are dirt cheap on the used market, and they offer decent space for the price. But the trade-offs are hard to ignore—cheap interior materials and a serious lack of refinement, especially when you hit motorway speeds.

No. tested: 2,875

Pass: 1,368 

Fail: 1,507

Pass rate: 47.6%

Back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, if you wanted a spacious MPV packed with practical features, the Grand C4 Picasso was probably on your radar.

It delivered a smooth, high-quality ride and came loaded with clever touches for its time—like easy fold-flat rear seats, loads of hidden storage bins, and even a removable boot light that doubled as a torch.

But as these cars age, the cracks are starting to show. This year, only 47.6% of first-generation models passed their MOT. If you’re set on a C4 Grand Picasso, go for the second-gen version (2014–2018); they’re holding up much better, with a 67.8% pass rate, according to DVSA data.

No. tested: 609

Pass: 289

Fail: 320

Pass rate: 47.5%

Back in the late ‘90s, the Daewoo Matiz was a go-to option if you were after a budget-friendly small car. It offered seating for five, a decent boot, and more features than you’d typically get from big-name rivals at the time.

Powered by a tiny 0.8-litre engine, it felt slow even when it was new—and today, driving one on the motorway would be a serious patience test.

Given that these cars are now up to 26 years old and were built to a strict budget, it’s no shock that their MOT pass rates aren’t great. In 2024, just over 600 were tested, and only 47.5% passed on the first try.

No. tested: 551

Pass: 260

Fail: 291

Pass rate: 47.2%

When crunching the numbers, LeaseLoco only included models with over 500 MOT tests in 2024. The long-forgotten Dodge Caliber just about made the cut, with 551 tests this year.

This crossover was sold in the UK for only three years—and it’s easy to see why. While it had plenty of space, it fell flat in handling and refinement. Plus, the interior was laughably cheap, even for its time.

With a dismal MOT pass rate of just 47.2%, the Dodge Caliber is a bargain-bin used car you’re better off avoiding.

No. tested: 636

Pass: 296

Fail: 340

Pass rate: 46.5%

The Citroën C8 was a shared-platform MPV, built on the same base as the Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 (spoiler alert: we’ll cover that one soon).

No people carrier is exactly thrilling to drive, but the C8 made up for it with serious comfort, loads of space, and solid value. Its sliding side doors were a standout feature—something you don’t see much in 2024’s new car market.

Unfortunately, time hasn’t been kind to the C8. Owners are likely spending more to keep them roadworthy, and with an MOT pass rate of just 46.5%, it’s well below the UK average.

No. tested: 692

Pass: 319

Fail: 373

Pass rate: 46.1%

Given the Citroën C8’s rough track record with MOTs, it’s no shock that its sister model, the Peugeot 807, isn’t faring much better.

Once a favourite for taxis, airport shuttles, and big families needing room for three or more kids, the 807 is becoming a rare sight on the roads these days.

The reason? Many are struggling to pass their MOTs. DVSA data from this year shows only 46.1% make it through on the first try—ouch.

No. tested: 943

Pass: 427

Fail: 516

Pass rate: 45.3%

The Mitsubishi Space Star has earned the unfortunate title of having the lowest MOT pass rate in 2024.

Of the 943 tested this year, 516 failed their initial test, leaving it with a pass rate of just 45.3%.

The Space Star was never a big hit for Mitsubishi, which pulled out of the UK new car market in 2020 due to low demand. This early-2000s supermini tried to channel MPV vibes but didn’t offer enough versatility to win over many buyers. Its dismal MOT performance this year is a clear sign that budget-conscious used car shoppers should steer clear.