Chevrolet Cruze MOT pass rate and common problems
69.5% of 7,116 Chevrolet Cruze MOT tests pass.
The Cruze passes its MOT 69.5% of the time — well above the average across all Chevrolet models, which sits at 63.4%.
The Chevrolet Cruze passes 69.5% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Chevrolet Cruze?
This is the average across every Chevrolet Cruze in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Chevrolet’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 72.5% at 6–10 years to 64.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (10) | 10 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 72.5% | 269 | 80,517 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.5% | 6,742 | 84,787 miles |
| 15+ years | 64.2% | 95 | 92,516 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Chevrolet Cruze
The most common reason the Chevrolet Cruze fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 53.2% | Not working |
| Suspension | 34.9% | Fractured or broken |
| Brakes | 33.6% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 19.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 18.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 16.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.5% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.8% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 1.7% | Fixing missing |
| Steering | 1.2% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
Buying a used Chevrolet Cruze: what to check
These checks follow the Chevrolet Cruze’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Chevrolet Cruze comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 69.5% to 64.2%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 78.9% down to 69.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 53.2% of failed Chevrolet Cruze MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 34.9% of failed Chevrolet Cruze MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 33.6% of failed Chevrolet Cruze MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 19.4% of failed Chevrolet Cruze MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 18.7% of failed Chevrolet Cruze MOTs.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Chevrolet service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Chevrolet models
- Chevrolet Matiz — 56.7% pass rate
- Chevrolet Aveo — 56.7% pass rate
- Chevrolet Captiva — 61.4% pass rate
- Chevrolet Orlando — 70.1% pass rate
- Chevrolet Kalos — 54.0% pass rate
- Chevrolet Lacetti — 54.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Chevrolet Cruze?
- 69.5% of Chevrolet Cruze MOT tests pass, based on 7,116 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Chevrolet Cruze?
- The most common reason the Chevrolet Cruze fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Chevrolet Cruze?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Chevrolet Cruze are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Chevrolet Cruze?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; tyres; exhaust, emissions and leaks. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Chevrolet Cruze's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Chevrolet service history guide for how to check and keep one.