Chevrolet Spark MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 15,779 MOT tests on the Chevrolet Spark carried out in 2023. 45% 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 Sparks passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2010 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (57% passed, −3.2 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (55%, −13.3 points). Tested cars had covered 64,848 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 22.4% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 14.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 15,779
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 64,848
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Spark?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Spark 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 | 785 | 59% | 72% | −12.9 points | 50,145 |
| 2013 | 3,962 | 55% | 68% | −13.3 points | 61,793 |
| 2012 | 3,786 | 54% | 66% | −11.3 points | 65,640 |
| 2011 | 3,882 | 55% | 63% | −8.4 points | 67,093 |
| 2010 | 3,350 | 57% | 60% | −3.2 points | 68,409 |
Why the Chevrolet Spark fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Spark | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.4% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 17.3% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 13.4% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 8.5% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 4.7% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.8% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working14.8%
- 2excessively corroded6.7%
- 3excessively binding6.4%
- 4fractured or broken5.3%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5%
- 6not working on dipped beam4.3%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
- 8across an axle3.3%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.6%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid2.1%
Common Spark MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Spark, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 28.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.6% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 8.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.1% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 5.0% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 4.0% |
Tips to help your Spark pass
Based on where Sparks most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 22.4% of Spark 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 · 17.3% of Spark 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.
Visibility · 8.5% of Spark tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Spark ULEZ compliant? See the Chevrolet Spark ULEZ check, or view all Chevrolet models.
Other Chevrolet models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 15,779 first MOT tests of the Chevrolet Spark 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 15,779 first MOT tests of the Chevrolet Spark.
What is the Chevrolet Spark MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 15,779 first MOT attempts on the Chevrolet Spark ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Chevrolet Spark fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (22.4% of tests), brakes (17.3% of tests), suspension (13.4% of tests).
Which Spark year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 57% passed first time, −3.2 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 55% (−13.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Chevrolet Spark covered at its MOT?
The average was 64,848 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 50,145 miles and 2010 cars 68,409.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Chevrolet Spark?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 28.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 17.3% of Sparks failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Spark's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 15,779 Sparks in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 59% 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 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
- 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
Check any Spark's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.