Chevrolet Matiz years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

6,116 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2007–2009 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 3 Chevrolet Matiz years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

Below the average for their first-use year2007–2009
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.

51.2%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 49.9% to 52.4%.

Chevrolet Matiz, all years51.2%
Same-age average, all vehicles57.8%

In 2025, 51.2% of the 6,116 initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Matiz cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.8%. That is 6.6 points below the same-age average.

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Its own MOT history, free.

Chevrolet Matiz 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	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2009age 16	2,85951,700	52.7%±1.9	−5.6 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	1,70455,800	51.0%±2.4	−6.2 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	1,55354,600	48.6%±2.5	−8.8 ptsall: 57.4%

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

Does mileage matter?

Chevrolet Matiz first-time pass rates by the mileage at the initial test, all years together, against all vehicles of the same age and mileage.

52.6% of Chevrolet Matiz tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 43.7% at 60,000 to 89,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 68.3% and 59.3%.

Miles at the test	Tests	Passed first time	Against all vehicles, same age and mileage
30,000–59,999	2,911	52.6%±1.9	−15.7 ptsall: 68.3%
60,000–89,999	1,886	43.7%±2.3	−15.5 ptsall: 59.3%

Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Matiz tests were below average in every band shown.

Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Chevrolet Matiz tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.

Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 35 tests (0.6%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count

Common Matiz problems at the MOT

Share of the 2,985 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Lights and electrics46.5%
Suspension42.8%
Brakes33.9%
Body, chassis, structure19.9%
Tyres18.1%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors17.6%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

Most common MOT failures on the Chevrolet Matiz

The defects recorded most often at the 2,985 failed initial tests on Chevrolet Matiz 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
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics	14.0%417 tests	14.3%
Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension	13.1%391 tests	6.1%
Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	10.5%313 tests	5.6%
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres	9.6%286 tests	6.8%
Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics	9.0%269 tests	9.4%
Service brake imbalance across an axleBrakes	8.5%254 tests	2.0%
Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics	8.1%241 tests	5.5%
Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strengthSuspension	7.9%235 tests	3.8%
Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes	7.4%221 tests	2.8%
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics	7.2%215 tests	7.2%

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 Matiz's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a Matiz

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

Lights and electrics
In 46.5% of failed Matiz 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.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
In 42.8% of failed Matiz tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
In 33.9% of failed Matiz tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop 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.
Body, chassis, structure
In 19.9% of failed Matiz tests
- Look for rust or damage under the sills, around the wheel arches and on the floor where you can see it.
- Open and close every door, the bonnet and the boot. They should latch properly.
- Check the seats are secure and adjust properly.

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

Check a Matiz's MOT history

Chevrolet Matiz questions

Which Chevrolet Matiz 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: 2007–2009. 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 Matiz reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 51.2% of initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Matiz cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.8%. 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 Matiz problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 46.5% of failed tests), suspension (in 42.8% of failed tests) and brakes (in 33.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 16-year-old Chevrolet Matiz?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Chevrolet Matiz cars first used in 2009, about 16 years old, had a median of 51,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Matiz'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 Matiz

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 Matiz cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count