Chevrolet Spark MOT pass rate and common problems
64.9% of 20,271 Chevrolet Spark MOT tests pass.
The Spark has a pass rate of 64.9%, a little higher than the average across all Chevrolet models (63.4%).
The Chevrolet Spark passes 64.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Chevrolet Spark?
This is the average across every Chevrolet Spark 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 eases gradually with age, from 67.6% at 6–10 years to 64.9% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 67.6% | 376 | 48,101 miles |
| 10–15 years | 64.9% | 19,894 | 69,126 miles |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Chevrolet Spark
The most common reason the Chevrolet Spark fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 63.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 63.3% | Not working |
| Brakes | 62.4% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 36.7% | Fractured or broken |
| Visibility | 18.5% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 17.3% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 11.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 4.3% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.9% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.1% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Chevrolet Spark: what to check
These checks follow the Chevrolet Spark’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 Spark comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 67.6% to 64.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 75.9% down to 68.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 63.3% of failed Chevrolet Spark 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. Brakes
Recorded in 62.4% of failed Chevrolet Spark 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.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 36.7% of failed Chevrolet Spark 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.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.5% of failed Chevrolet Spark MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 17.3% of failed Chevrolet Spark 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.
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 Cruze — 69.5% pass rate
- Chevrolet Orlando — 70.1% pass rate
- Chevrolet Kalos — 54.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Chevrolet Spark?
- 64.9% of Chevrolet Spark MOT tests pass, based on 20,271 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Chevrolet Spark?
- The most common reason the Chevrolet Spark fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 63.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Chevrolet Spark?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Chevrolet Spark are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Chevrolet Spark?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; windscreen and wipers; tyres. 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 Spark'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.