Chevrolet Cruze MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,639 MOT tests on the Chevrolet Cruze carried out in 2023. 40% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Cruzes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (59% passed, −0.0 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2014 models fared worst (60%, −11.8 points). Tested cars had covered 80,452 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.3% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 9.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,639
- First-time pass rate
- 60%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −11.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 80,452
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Cruze?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Cruze MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 506 | 60% | 72% | −11.8 points | 77,815 |
| 2013 | 1,349 | 62% | 68% | −6.5 points | 78,061 |
| 2012 | 1,651 | 60% | 66% | −5.2 points | 79,594 |
| 2011 | 1,120 | 62% | 63% | −1.2 points | 78,683 |
| 2010 | 718 | 55% | 60% | −5.8 points | 87,258 |
| 2009 | 278 | 59% | 59% | −0.0 points | 89,369 |
Why the Chevrolet Cruze fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Cruze | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 9.0% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.9% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 6.9% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 6.8% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.3% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken9.2%
- 2not working8.7%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.6%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
- 6not working on dipped beam2.9%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid2.3%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.2%
- 10efficiency below requirements1.9%
Common Cruze MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Cruze, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.8% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 6.1% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.8% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 4.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.5% |
Tips to help your Cruze pass
Based on where Cruzes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.3% of Cruze tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 9.0% of Cruze tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Cruze ULEZ compliant? See the Chevrolet Cruze ULEZ check, or view all Chevrolet models.
Other Chevrolet models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,639 first MOT tests of the Chevrolet Cruze carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 5,639 first MOT tests of the Chevrolet Cruze.
What is the Chevrolet Cruze MOT failure rate?
In our data, 40% of 5,639 first MOT attempts on the Chevrolet Cruze ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Chevrolet Cruze fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.3% of tests), suspension (13.4% of tests), brakes (9.0% of tests).
Which Cruze year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 59% passed first time, −0.0 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2014, at 60% (−11.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Chevrolet Cruze covered at its MOT?
The average was 80,452 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 77,815 miles and 2009 cars 89,369.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Chevrolet Cruze?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.9% of Cruzes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Cruze's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,639 Cruzes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 62% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Cruze's MOT history
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