1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Porsche 911 MOT pass rate and common faults

901 MOT tests in 2024. 87.7% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

132Well above average
Passed first time87.7%
Failed or needed repairs12.3%
Typical mileage at test79,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 901 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working2.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
    20 marked dangerous
  5. Anti-roll bars - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.6%
  6. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  8. Position lamp: not working0.6%
  9. Stop lamp: not working0.4%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics9.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks2.4%
  3. Suspension2.2%
  4. Brakes2.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  6. Body & chassis1.2%
  7. Tyres1.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.7%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rear fog lamp: not working. 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 1996 Porsche 911?

In 2024, 87.7% of 1996 Porsche 911 cars passed their MOT first time, across 901 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Porsche 911?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Porsche 911 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 132, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).