Known weak spots: the cars that fail most on brakes, steering and suspension
For each part of the car, the popular models that fail on it far more often than average, so you know what to check before you buy.
By the CarComparison team · Updated · How we research
A car can have a good overall record and still have one weak spot that turns up again and again. We compared each of the 126 most common models (at least 50,000 MOT tests each in 2024) with the average car of the same age, part by part. These are the models that fail on each part far more often than they should, and what to check if you're looking at one.
Steering
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Adam | 5.0 times as often | 6.7% |
| Nissan Juke | 3.7 times as often | 5.8% |
| Nissan Qashqai | 3.3 times as often | 6.2% |
| Renault Megane | 3.2 times as often | 9.0% |
| Jaguar F-Pace | 3.0 times as often | 1.9% |
What to check: Listen for knocks or clunks when turning at low speed, and feel for vagueness or play in the wheel. Track rod ends and ball joints are the usual culprits.
Suspension
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Mokka | 2.3 times as often | 12.1% |
| Vauxhall Adam | 2.0 times as often | 11.4% |
| Fiat 500 | 1.9 times as often | 14.5% |
| Renault Clio | 1.9 times as often | 19.1% |
| Nissan Juke | 1.8 times as often | 12.6% |
What to check: Drive over speed bumps listening for knocks, and look at whether the car sits level. Springs, arm bushes and drop links are typical failures.
Brakes
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto | 2.1 times as often | 10.5% |
| Hyundai ix35 | 1.9 times as often | 14.9% |
| Vauxhall Crossland | 1.9 times as often | 4.5% |
| Hyundai i30 | 1.8 times as often | 12.9% |
| Hyundai Tucson | 1.7 times as often | 6.6% |
What to check: Check for pulling to one side, a pulsing pedal or squealing, and look at the discs through the wheels for a deep lip or heavy rust.
Exhaust and emissions
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 208 | 3.1 times as often | 6.0% |
| Fiat Punto | 2.1 times as often | 9.8% |
| Vauxhall Zafira | 1.9 times as often | 8.2% |
| Ford EcoSport | 1.9 times as often | 2.2% |
| Peugeot 2008 | 1.8 times as often | 2.8% |
What to check: Watch for warning lights, smoke and rough running. On diesels, ask whether the particulate filter has been replaced or cleaned.
Body and structure
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Crossland | 8.2 times as often | 3.7% |
| Peugeot 2008 | 6.5 times as often | 8.7% |
| Citroen DS3 | 4.3 times as often | 15.7% |
| Peugeot 208 | 4.1 times as often | 7.6% |
| Dacia Sandero | 4.0 times as often | 5.6% |
What to check: Look underneath and around the sills and subframes for corrosion, the kind of rust an MOT tester will fail.
Seat belts and airbags
| Model | Compared with average | Share of tests failing here |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 2.7 times as often | 1.7% |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | 2.5 times as often | 1.2% |
| Hyundai i20 | 2.3 times as often | 1.4% |
| Peugeot 3008 | 2.2 times as often | 1.4% |
| Nissan Qashqai | 2.1 times as often | 1.6% |
What to check: Check every belt locks and retracts, and that the airbag warning light goes out after starting.
Reading these figures
- "Times as often" compares the model with the average car of the same age, so an older model isn't penalised just for being old.
- A weak spot isn't a reason to rule a car out. It tells you what to inspect, and what to ask the seller about.
- The figures cover every version of each model. The car you're looking at has its own history: our free car check shows its MOT results and advisories from the number plate.