2015 Microcar M — MOT failures & pass rate
338 MOT tests on the 2015 Microcar M are in this dataset, and 84.0% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail at 16.3%, so the 2015 M sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in brakes, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — brakes (8.0%) and lighting & signalling (8.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are service brake performance, headlamp and headlamp aim — service brake performance alone was recorded 29 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 23.7% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 9.7% of tests failed in 2021 against 17.5% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 8.0% | 27 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 8.0% | 27 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.0% | 10 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 2.7% | 9 |
| 5 | Steering | 2.1% | 7 |
| 6 | Visibility | 1.8% | 6 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service brake performance | 29 |
| 2 | Headlamp | 15 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 10 |
| 4 | Service brake imbalance | 9 |
| 5 | Position lamp | 8 |
| 6 | Catalyst emissions | 8 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 23.7% | 80 |
| 2 | Suspension | 19.8% | 67 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 8.3% | 28 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.9% | 20 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 4.7% | 16 |
| 6 | Other defects | 2.1% | 7 |
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 | 291 | 16.8% |
| 30-60k | 47 | 10.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72 | 9.7% |
| 2022 | 72 | 19.4% |
| 2023 | 67 | 13.4% |
| 2024 | 64 | 20.3% |
| 2025 | 63 | 17.5% |
What to check before buying a 2015 M
On a 2015 M, brakes is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 8.0% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Brakes (8.0% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (8.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (3.0% 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.
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 2015 Microcar Ms pass their MOT?
84.0% of the 338 2015 Microcar M MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 16.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2015 Microcar M?
Brakes, recorded in 8.0% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (8.0%).
Does the 2015 M get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 16.8% in the 0-30k band to 10.6% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 338 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.