Talbot Express MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,831 MOT tests on the Talbot Express carried out in 2023. 47% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 Expresses passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1986 to 1994. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1993 models did best (54% passed, −13.1 points against the average for 30-year-old cars), while 1987 models fared worst (47%, −24.7 points). Tested cars had covered 82,044 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 31.6% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 17.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,831
- First-time pass rate
- 53%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −18.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 82,044
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Express?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Express 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 761 | 52% | 66% | −14.8 points | 78,391 |
| 1993 | 1,061 | 54% | 67% | −13.1 points | 79,629 |
| 1992 | 1,053 | 55% | 68% | −13.4 points | 79,720 |
| 1991 | 975 | 51% | 70% | −18.4 points | 82,958 |
| 1990 | 876 | 54% | 71% | −16.5 points | 86,749 |
| 1989 | 642 | 52% | 72% | −19.2 points | 85,372 |
| 1988 | 242 | 51% | 71% | −20.1 points | 81,011 |
| 1987 | 85 | 47% | 72% | −24.7 points | 86,854 |
| 1986 | 59 | 54% | 71% | −17.1 points | 89,738 |
Why the Talbot Express fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Express | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 31.6% | 11.3% |
| Body and structure | 19.9% | 3.5% |
| Brakes | 18.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 13.0% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 10.6% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.8% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 4.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 3.5% | 1.0% |
| Tyres | 3.5% | 6.3% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working17.9%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.7%
- 3prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.7%
- 4projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.9%
- 5efficiency below requirements5.6%
- 6not working on dipped beam5.5%
- 7across an axle4.6%
- 8not working4.3%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.1%
- 10not working on main beam4.0%
Common Express MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Express, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has excessive play | Suspension | 20.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 16.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.7% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 8.9% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 7.3% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 6.8% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 6.8% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 5.3% |
Tips to help your Express pass
Based on where Expresses most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 31.6% of Express 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.
Body and structure · 19.9% of Express tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Brakes · 18.7% of Express 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 Express ULEZ compliant? See the Talbot Express ULEZ check, or view all Talbot models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,831 first MOT tests of the Talbot Express 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 5,831 first MOT tests of the Talbot Express.
What is the Talbot Express MOT failure rate?
In our data, 47% of 5,831 first MOT attempts on the Talbot Express ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Talbot Express fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (31.6% of tests), body and structure (19.9% of tests), brakes (18.7% of tests).
Which Express year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1993 cars performed best: 54% passed first time, −13.1 points against the average for 30-year-old cars. The weakest was 1987, at 47% (−24.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Talbot Express covered at its MOT?
The average was 82,044 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 1994 cars averaged 78,391 miles and 1986 cars 89,738.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Talbot Express?
"has excessive play" was recorded on 20.2% of tests, in the suspension area. 13.0% of Expresses failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Express's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,831 Expresses in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 55% 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 readMOT advisories explained: what they mean and what to fix firstHalf of all cars tested in 2023 left with at least one advisory. They don't fail the MOT, but they're the tester's warning of what's coming next.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
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