Excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.1.3 (b))
DVSA (2.1.3 (b))×12 · 1 ex.Product demo
See what you get before you buy
Illustrative samples only. Reports in the live product use anonymised UK MOT aggregates for your chosen make, model, and age band.
No live database calls on this page — your credits stay untouched.
MOT Analytics
The live dashboard uses the same section order and styling below: failure mix, severity grid, coded defect lists, and year-by-year trends. Names and counts here are illustrative only.
Age filter: 5–10 years old— same report sections as the live MOT Analytics dashboard after you click "View analytics".
Illustrative copy only. After purchase, this block summarises patterns for the exact make, model, and registration-era band you select.
Analysis limited to vehicles with modern (2001+) registration plates for reliable age data.
For official explanations of defect codes, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual. Code definitions are maintained by the DVSA and may be updated on their site; we do not control that content.
Failure breakdown by category
Distribution of MOT defects by cause. Severity is analysed within each category only (no cross-category comparison).
Owner neglect (maintenance)
220 (26%)
Wear & tear
320 (38%)
Systemic
200 (24%)
Other
110 (13%)
Total defects: 850
These bars are totals only — they do not show individual DVSA inspection references. Where the source defect text includes an RFR code, it appears on each line in the detailed lists below.
Severity counts per category
DVSA severity (Advisory, Minor, Major, Dangerous) within each failure category. Counts only — not per-defect codes.
| Category | Advisory | Minor | Major | Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner neglect (maintenance) | 75 | 70 | 50 | 25 |
| Wear & tear | 100 | 95 | 80 | 45 |
| Systemic | 58 | 65 | 48 | 29 |
| Other | 30 | 40 | 30 | 18 |
First MOT – what failed
Defects from vehicles' first-ever MOT tests that failed. Newest age band (~3 years old) only.
Demo / preview only — not live MOT data. Sample registration and test years are set to match a typical first MOT (vehicle about three years old); they were internally consistent at the time this demo was prepared.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
2DVSA codes 2.*2 types · 21 defect records
2DVSA codes 2.*2.11 line · 12 records
2.12.31 line · 9 records
2.3Steering rack — excessive free play between rack and pinion (2.3.1 (a))
DVSA (2.3.1 (a))×9 · 1 ex.Owner maintenance issues (DVSA codes)
Defects in the owner-maintenance category where the record includes a DVSA-style reference in the text.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
8DVSA codes 8.*1 type · 22 defect records
8DVSA codes 8.*8.41 line · 22 records
8.4Service overdue or incomplete (8.4.1 (a))
DVSA (8.4.1 (a))×22 · 1 ex.Wear and tear issues (DVSA codes)
Wear-related defects where the record includes a DVSA-style reference in the text.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
1DVSA codes 1.*1 type · 31 defect records
1DVSA codes 1.*1.11 line · 31 records
1.1Brake pads worn close to limit (1.1.4 (a))
DVSA (1.1.4 (a))×31 · 1 ex.5DVSA codes 5.*1 type · 24 defect records
5DVSA codes 5.*5.21 line · 24 records
5.2Tyre tread depth below minimum requirements (5.2.3 (e))
DVSA (5.2.3 (e))×24 · 1 ex.Systemic issues (DVSA defect codes)
Most frequently recorded defects in the systemic category. DVSA codes trace to official MOT testing manual. Examples show test date and vehicle age. Descriptive only.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
1DVSA codes 1.*2 types · 67 defect records
1DVSA codes 1.*1.12 lines · 67 records
1.1Suspension arm bush worn excessively (1.1.11 (c))
DVSA (1.1.11 (c))×38 · 1 ex.Subframe or structural mounting seriously corroded or damaged (1.1.14 (a))
DVSA (1.1.14 (a))×29 · 1 ex.Year-by-year category trends
Year = when the MOT test was performed, not vehicle model year. Shows historical progression only; no prediction.
| MOT test year | Owner neglect | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 38 | 52 | 41 | 15 |
| 2024 | 44 | 58 | 44 | 18 |
| 2025 | 50 | 62 | 48 | 20 |
| 2026 | 47 | 65 | 35 | 22 |
Make & model compare
After you run a real comparison, both vehicles appear in the same light slate panel as below — maintenance compliance, failure breakdown, severity table, systemic codes, and trends. Figures here are placeholders.
Vehicle 1: Illustrative Hatchback A
Age filter: 5–10 years old
Maintenance compliance (mileage-normalised)
Score: 74/100(illustrative cohort position)
7.1 defects per 1,000 miles
Illustrative maintenance compliance text — layout matches the live Compare / Analytics report.
Illustrative copy only. After purchase, this block summarises patterns for the exact make, model, and registration-era band you select.
Analysis limited to vehicles with modern (2001+) registration plates for reliable age data.
For official explanations of defect codes, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual. Code definitions are maintained by the DVSA and may be updated on their site; we do not control that content.
Failure breakdown by category
Owner neglect (maintenance)
210 (26%)
Wear & tear
310 (38%)
Systemic
190 (23%)
Other
110 (13%)
Total defects: 820
Severity counts per category
Owner neglect (maintenance)
Advisory72
Minor68
Major48
Dangerous22
Wear & tear
Advisory98
Minor92
Major78
Dangerous42
Systemic
Advisory54
Minor62
Major44
Dangerous30
Other
Advisory28
Minor38
Major28
Dangerous16
| Category | Advisory | Minor | Major | Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner neglect (maintenance) | 72 | 68 | 48 | 22 |
| Wear & tear | 98 | 92 | 78 | 42 |
| Systemic | 54 | 62 | 44 | 30 |
| Other | 28 | 38 | 28 | 16 |
First MOT – what failed
Defects from vehicles' first-ever MOT tests that failed. Newest age band (~3 years old) only.
Demo / preview only — not live MOT data. Sample registration and test years are set to match a typical first MOT (vehicle about three years old); they were internally consistent at the time this demo was prepared.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
2DVSA codes 2.*2 types · 21 defect records
2DVSA codes 2.*2.11 line · 12 records
2.1Excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.1.3 (b))
DVSA (2.1.3 (b))×12 · 1 ex.2.31 line · 9 records
2.3Steering rack — excessive free play between rack and pinion (2.3.1 (a))
DVSA (2.3.1 (a))×9 · 1 ex.Systemic issues (DVSA defect codes)
Most frequently recorded defects in the systemic category. DVSA codes trace to the official MOT testing manual. Examples show test date and vehicle age. Descriptive only.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
1DVSA codes 1.*2 types · 67 defect records
1DVSA codes 1.*1.12 lines · 67 records
1.1Suspension arm bush worn excessively (1.1.11 (c))
DVSA (1.1.11 (c))×38 · 1 ex.Subframe or structural mounting seriously corroded or damaged (1.1.14 (a))
DVSA (1.1.14 (a))×29 · 1 ex.Year-by-year category trends
Year = MOT test year. Data filtered by vehicle registration year.
MOT test year 2023
Owner neglect38
Wear & tear52
Systemic41
Other15
MOT test year 2024
Owner neglect44
Wear & tear58
Systemic44
Other18
MOT test year 2025
Owner neglect50
Wear & tear62
Systemic48
Other20
MOT test year 2026
Owner neglect47
Wear & tear65
Systemic35
Other22
| MOT test year | Owner neglect | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 38 | 52 | 41 | 15 |
| 2024 | 44 | 58 | 44 | 18 |
| 2025 | 50 | 62 | 48 | 20 |
| 2026 | 47 | 65 | 35 | 22 |
Vehicle 2: Illustrative Saloon B
Age filter: 5–10 years old
Maintenance compliance (mileage-normalised)
Score: 68/100(illustrative cohort position)
8.4 defects per 1,000 miles
Illustrative maintenance compliance — shown so you can preview typography and callouts before buying.
Illustrative copy only. Live reports use the same sections and charts for real UK MOT cohort aggregates.
Analysis limited to vehicles with modern (2001+) registration plates for reliable age data.
For official explanations of defect codes, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual. Code definitions are maintained by the DVSA and may be updated on their site; we do not control that content.
Failure breakdown by category
Owner neglect (maintenance)
260 (27%)
Wear & tear
340 (35%)
Systemic
220 (23%)
Other
140 (15%)
Total defects: 960
Severity counts per category
Owner neglect (maintenance)
Advisory88
Minor76
Major62
Dangerous34
Wear & tear
Advisory102
Minor98
Major86
Dangerous54
Systemic
Advisory62
Minor74
Major52
Dangerous32
Other
Advisory36
Minor44
Major38
Dangerous22
| Category | Advisory | Minor | Major | Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner neglect (maintenance) | 88 | 76 | 62 | 34 |
| Wear & tear | 102 | 98 | 86 | 54 |
| Systemic | 62 | 74 | 52 | 32 |
| Other | 36 | 44 | 38 | 22 |
First MOT – what failed
Defects from vehicles' first-ever MOT tests that failed. Newest age band (~3 years old) only.
Demo / preview only — not live MOT data. Sample registration and test years are set to match a typical first MOT (vehicle about three years old); they were internally consistent at the time this demo was prepared.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
2DVSA codes 2.*2 types · 18 defect records
2DVSA codes 2.*2.11 line · 10 records
2.1Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b))
DVSA (2.1.3 (b))×10 · 1 ex.2.21 line · 8 records
2.2Steering linkage — play at rack or column coupling excessive (2.2.1 (b))
DVSA (2.2.1 (b))×8 · 1 ex.Systemic issues (DVSA defect codes)
Most frequently recorded defects in the systemic category. DVSA codes trace to the official MOT testing manual. Examples show test date and vehicle age. Descriptive only.
Grouped by the DVSA manual section (first numeric segment, e.g. 5 from 5.2.3), then the first two numeric segments (5.2). Tyre-size text such as 215/45 before a bracket is ignored so it is not treated as the DVSA section number. Open each line for examples.
1DVSA codes 1.*2 types · 68 defect records
1DVSA codes 1.*1.12 lines · 68 records
1.1Coil spring fractured or broken (1.1.2 (a))
DVSA (1.1.2 (a))×41 · 1 ex.Brake fluid contaminated (1.1.3 (a) (ii))
DVSA (1.1.3 (a) (ii))×27 · 1 ex.Year-by-year category trends
Year = MOT test year. Data filtered by vehicle registration year.
MOT test year 2023
Owner neglect48
Wear & tear58
Systemic46
Other20
MOT test year 2024
Owner neglect52
Wear & tear64
Systemic52
Other22
MOT test year 2025
Owner neglect58
Wear & tear68
Systemic56
Other24
MOT test year 2026
Owner neglect54
Wear & tear70
Systemic48
Other26
| MOT test year | Owner neglect | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 48 | 58 | 46 | 20 |
| 2024 | 52 | 64 | 52 | 22 |
| 2025 | 58 | 68 | 56 | 24 |
| 2026 | 54 | 70 | 48 | 26 |
Vehicle selectors and the Compare button are on the real Compare page — this preview shows the results layout only (5–10 years old).
Buyer's Dilemma
Shortlist 2–5 vehicles on the live page; after analysis you get a recommendation, summary table, and the same gradient result cards. Below is a static three-vehicle example with illustrative metrics.
Our recommendation
Illustrative Hatchback A
Reliability score
82/100
Pass rate
68.2%
Defect rate
16.10/100 tests
MOT tests
5,100
Illustrative recommendation only. The real Buyer’s Dilemma ranks your actual shortlist using the same MOT-weighted signals as this preview.
Why we recommend this one
- Illustrative bullet: pass-rate / defect-rate story appears here after purchase.
- Illustrative bullet: dangerous-defect rate and sample size callouts.
Comparative summary
| Rank | Vehicle | Reliability score | Pass rate | Defect rate | MOT tests | Data confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illustrative Hatchback A | 82/100 | 68.2% | 16.10/100 | 5,100 | high |
| 2 | Illustrative Saloon B | 71/100 | 64.5% | 20.00/100 | 4,800 | high |
| 3 | Illustrative MPV C | 64/100 | 61.0% | 22.40/100 | 3,200 | medium |
All vehicles considered
Illustrative Hatchback A
Rank 1Best pick
5–10 years old
Reliability score82/100
Pass rate68.2%
Defect rate16.1
MOT tests5,100
Age band: 5–10 years old
Modern (2001+) plates only.
For defect code explanations, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual.
Failure breakdown
Owner neglect (maintenance)
210 (26%)
Wear & tear
310 (38%)
Systemic
190 (23%)
Other
110 (13%)
Total: 820 defects
Systemic issues (DVSA codes)
DVSA (1.1.11 (c))Suspension arm bush worn excessively (1.1.11 (c)) (38)- Defect at 58,400 miles (69 plate, 2019)
DVSA (1.1.14 (a))Subframe or structural mounting seriously corroded or damaged (1.1.14 (a)) (29)- Defect at 69,800 miles (67 plate, 2017)
Illustrative Saloon B
Rank 2
5–10 years old
Reliability score71/100
Pass rate64.5%
Defect rate20.0
MOT tests4,800
Age band: 5–10 years old
Modern (2001+) plates only.
For defect code explanations, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual.
Failure breakdown
Owner neglect (maintenance)
260 (27%)
Wear & tear
340 (35%)
Systemic
220 (23%)
Other
140 (15%)
Total: 960 defects
Systemic issues (DVSA codes)
DVSA (1.1.2 (a))Coil spring fractured or broken (1.1.2 (a)) (41)- Defect at 61,200 miles (20 plate, 2020)
DVSA (1.1.3 (a) (ii))Brake fluid contaminated (1.1.3 (a) (ii)) (27)- Defect at 55,300 miles (18 plate, 2018)
Illustrative MPV C
Rank 3
5–10 years old
Reliability score64/100
Pass rate61.0%
Defect rate22.4
MOT tests3,200
Age band: 5–10 years old
Modern (2001+) plates only.
For defect code explanations, see the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual.
Failure breakdown
Owner neglect (maintenance)
220 (26%)
Wear & tear
320 (38%)
Systemic
200 (24%)
Other
110 (13%)
Total: 850 defects
Systemic issues (DVSA codes)
DVSA (1.1.11 (c))Suspension arm bush worn excessively (1.1.11 (c)) (38)- Defect at 58,400 miles (69 plate, 2019)
DVSA (1.1.14 (a))Subframe or structural mounting seriously corroded or damaged (1.1.14 (a)) (29)- Defect at 69,800 miles (67 plate, 2017)
Run your own shortlist on the real Buyer's Dilemma page (credits apply).
Brand comparison matrix
Same grid and colour scale as the live tool: green favours the row brand, red the column brand, purple dotted border for best overall (lowest behavioural index). Brands and scores below are anonymised illustrations.
| Brand | Brand A | Brand B | Brand C | Brand D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand A | 56.2 | 47.1 | 58.4 | |
| Brand B | 43.8 | 42.0 | 52.1 | |
| Brand C | 52.9 | 58.0 | 60.2 | |
| Brand D | 41.6 | 47.9 | 39.8 |
Methodology
Same explanation card as the live brand matrix. Numbers in cells are illustrative only; after purchase you get row/column brands from the selected age band and severity filter.
Open the real brand matrix after purchase.
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