Chevrolet Cruze years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

2,438 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2012–2013 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Both Chevrolet Cruze years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

Below the average for their first-use year2012–2013
Above the average for their first-use yearNone
Can't be told apart from averageNone

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

57.9%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 55.9% to 59.9%.

Chevrolet Cruze, all years57.9%
Same-age average, all vehicles64.6%

In 2025, 57.9% of the 2,438 initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Cruze cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 64.6%. That is 6.6 points below the same-age average.

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Chevrolet Cruze MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Chart	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2013age 12		1,12983,400	56.2%±3.0	−9.6 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13		1,30982,600	59.4%±2.7	−4.1 ptsall: 63.5%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Cruze problems at the MOT

Share of the 1,026 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these can add up to more than 100%.

Lights and electrics47.3%
Suspension33.1%
Brakes21.2%
Noise, emissions, leaks20.8%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors18.9%
Tyres17.1%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.

Most common MOT failures on the Chevrolet Cruze

The defects recorded most often at the 1,026 failed initial tests on Chevrolet Cruze cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

Defect	Share of failed tests	All vehicles, same age
Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension	22.8%234 tests	11.3%
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics	18.5%190 tests	10.8%
Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks	10.8%111 tests	4.9%
Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	10.1%104 tests	5.0%
Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics	9.2%94 tests	5.7%
Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes	8.2%84 tests	5.8%
Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lampsLights and electrics	6.3%65 tests	4.8%
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres	5.7%58 tests	7.6%
Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	5.0%51 tests	4.8%

These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Cruze's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a Cruze

Based on the areas where Chevrolet Cruze MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Lights and electrics
In 47.3% of failed Cruze tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Check the dashboard warning lights come on when the car is switched on and then go out. Ask about any that stay lit.
Suspension
In 33.1% of failed Cruze tests
- Push down hard on each corner. Check the car rises once and settles, not bouncing again and again.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- Check the car sits level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
In 21.2% of failed Cruze tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly and check the car stops in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Noise, emissions, leaks
In 20.8% of failed Cruze tests
- Ask to see the car start from cold. Heavy smoke from the exhaust is worth asking about.
- Listen for blowing or rattling from the exhaust with the engine running.
- Look under the car for drips of oil, coolant or other fluids.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Cruze's MOT history

Chevrolet Cruze questions

Which Chevrolet Cruze years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2012–2013. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 57.9% of initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Cruze cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 64.6%. That is 6.6 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Chevrolet Cruze problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 47.3% of failed tests), suspension (in 33.1% of failed tests) and brakes (in 21.2% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 12-year-old Chevrolet Cruze?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Chevrolet Cruze cars first used in 2013, about 12 years old, had a median of 83,400 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Cruze's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Chevrolet Cruze

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Chevrolet models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Chevrolet Cruze cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count