Porsche Cayenne MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 29,340 MOT tests on the Porsche Cayenne carried out in 2023. 16% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Cayennes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (82% passed, +21.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (87%, +5.2 points). Tested cars had covered 75,123 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 5.2% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 2.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 29,340
- First-time pass rate
- 84%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +12.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 75,123
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Cayenne?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Cayenne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,431 | 93% | 88% | +5.6 points | 26,368 |
| 2019 | 3,231 | 94% | 86% | +7.9 points | 31,619 |
| 2018 | 1,837 | 90% | 84% | +5.8 points | 43,080 |
| 2017 | 1,826 | 87% | 82% | +5.2 points | 55,841 |
| 2016 | 2,834 | 86% | 79% | +7.5 points | 63,229 |
| 2015 | 2,406 | 86% | 75% | +11.0 points | 71,095 |
| 2014 | 1,921 | 84% | 72% | +12.4 points | 79,127 |
| 2013 | 2,197 | 82% | 68% | +13.8 points | 88,195 |
| 2012 | 1,993 | 81% | 66% | +15.4 points | 94,790 |
| 2011 | 1,280 | 83% | 63% | +19.7 points | 101,756 |
| 2010 | 920 | 82% | 60% | +21.9 points | 105,889 |
| 2009 | 864 | 73% | 59% | +14.4 points | 110,973 |
| 2008 | 624 | 77% | 57% | +19.9 points | 103,830 |
| 2007 | 731 | 73% | 57% | +16.2 points | 109,374 |
| 2006 | 970 | 75% | 56% | +18.4 points | 115,158 |
| 2005 | 1,425 | 73% | 56% | +17.0 points | 120,556 |
| 2004 | 1,201 | 71% | 56% | +15.1 points | 122,962 |
| 2003 | 603 | 73% | 57% | +16.0 points | 118,736 |
Why the Porsche Cayenne fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Cayenne | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.2% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.9% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 3.0% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 2.6% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 2.3% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken2.1%
- 2not working1.6%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.3%
- 6has ply or cords exposed1.1%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
- 8too high0.9%
- 9not working on dipped beam0.8%
- 10has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
Common Cayenne MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Cayenne, 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 | 12.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.3% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.6% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.1% |
Tips to help your Cayenne pass
Based on where Cayennes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 4.9% of Cayenne 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 · 2.6% of Cayenne 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 Cayenne ULEZ compliant? See the Porsche Cayenne ULEZ check, or view all Porsche models.
Other Porsche models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 29,340 first MOT tests of the Porsche Cayenne 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 29,340 first MOT tests of the Porsche Cayenne.
What is the Porsche Cayenne MOT failure rate?
In our data, 16% of 29,340 first MOT attempts on the Porsche Cayenne ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Porsche Cayenne fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (5.2% of tests), lights and electrics (4.9% of tests), suspension (3.0% of tests).
Which Cayenne year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +21.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 87% (+5.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Porsche Cayenne covered at its MOT?
The average was 75,123 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 26,368 miles and 2003 cars 118,736.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Porsche Cayenne?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.1% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.2% of Cayennes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Cayenne's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 29,340 Cayennes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 71% to 94% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- 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
Check any Cayenne's MOT history
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