2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Chevrolet Spark MOT pass rate and common faults

3,503 MOT tests in 2024. 54.8% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time54.8%
Failed or needed repairs45.2%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,503 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.9%
  2. Stop lamp: not working7.8%
  3. Position lamp: not working5.9%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding5.8%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.7%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    193 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.2%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics32.8%
  2. Brakes28.2%
  3. Suspension17.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.6%
  5. Tyres7.3%
  6. Body & chassis6.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  8. Steering1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded30.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Chevrolet Spark?

In 2024, 54.8% of 2012 Chevrolet Spark cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,503 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Chevrolet Spark?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; stop lamp: not working; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Spark reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).