2008 Isuzu Rodeo — MOT failures & pass rate
3,644 MOT tests on the 2008 Isuzu Rodeo are in this dataset, and 70.7% of them passed. Pick-up trucks of a similar age fail at 28.5%, so the 2008 Rodeo sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
Lighting & signalling dominates the failure mix at 21.8% of all tests — 5.0 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, position lamp and ball joint — headlamp aim alone was recorded 327 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 18.9% in the 0-30k band and 29.5% in the 150k+ band, a 10.6-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 45.9% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 28.8% of tests failed in 2021 against 30.7% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 21.8% | 795 |
| 2 | Suspension | 16.8% | 612 |
| 3 | Brakes | 11.4% | 417 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 9.4% | 342 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.7% | 245 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 3.7% | 134 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 327 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 300 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 258 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 213 |
| 5 | Rigid brake pipes | 211 |
| 6 | Shock absorbers | 210 |
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 | 45.9% | 1,671 |
| 2 | Brakes | 35.2% | 1,284 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 23.9% | 872 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 20.2% | 736 |
| 5 | Tyres | 19.6% | 714 |
| 6 | Other defects | 10.4% | 378 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 37 | 18.9% |
| 30-60k | 97 | 16.5% |
| 60-90k | 485 | 24.5% |
| 90-120k | 1,055 | 29.9% |
| 120-150k | 1,010 | 32.3% |
| 150k+ | 949 | 29.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 931 | 28.8% |
| 2022 | 844 | 29.7% |
| 2023 | 747 | 29.0% |
| 2024 | 607 | 28.8% |
| 2025 | 515 | 30.7% |
What to check before buying a 2008 Rodeo
On a 2008 Rodeo, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 21.8% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (21.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (16.8% 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 (11.4% 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 2008 Isuzu Rodeos pass their MOT?
70.7% of the 3,644 2008 Isuzu Rodeo MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 29.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Isuzu Rodeo?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 21.8% of tests, followed by suspension (16.8%).
Does the 2008 Rodeo get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 18.9% in the 0-30k band to 29.5% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,644 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.