2005 Isuzu Rodeo — MOT failures & pass rate
3,847 MOT tests on the 2005 Isuzu Rodeo are in this dataset, and 71.9% of them passed. That is effectively the same as pick-up trucks of a similar age (29.0% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: lighting & signalling, recorded in 18.8% of tests against 15.7% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are rear fog lamp, ball joint and chassis condition — rear fog lamp alone was recorded 387 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 30-60k one: 30.3% versus 19.9%.
Suspension is the most common advisory, noted on 43.1% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 18.8% | 722 |
| 2 | Suspension | 15.7% | 605 |
| 3 | Brakes | 12.6% | 483 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 10.8% | 417 |
| 5 | Visibility | 7.7% | 295 |
| 6 | Steering | 5.9% | 226 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rear fog lamp | 387 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 286 |
| 3 | Chassis condition | 252 |
| 4 | Track rod end | 234 |
| 5 | Position lamp | 224 |
| 6 | Rigid brake pipes | 195 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 43.1% | 1,657 |
| 2 | Brakes | 32.5% | 1,252 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 25.6% | 984 |
| 4 | Tyres | 20.3% | 780 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 15.8% | 607 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 14.1% | 543 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 191 | 19.9% |
| 60-90k | 511 | 26.2% |
| 90-120k | 793 | 26.6% |
| 120-150k | 1,018 | 29.4% |
| 150k+ | 1,315 | 30.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,011 | 28.1% |
| 2022 | 882 | 27.9% |
| 2023 | 778 | 29.4% |
| 2024 | 658 | 28.3% |
| 2025 | 518 | 26.6% |
What to check before buying a 2005 Rodeo
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 18.8% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (18.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (15.7% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (12.6% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2005 Isuzu Rodeos pass their MOT?
71.9% of the 3,847 2005 Isuzu Rodeo MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 28.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2005 Isuzu Rodeo?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 18.8% of tests, followed by suspension (15.7%).
Does the 2005 Rodeo get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 19.9% in the 30-60k band to 30.3% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,847 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.