Chevrolet Spark years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 4 Chevrolet Spark years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2010–2013
- 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.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 53.2% to 54.9%.
In 2025, 54.1% of the 12,635 initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Spark cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 62.7%. That is 8.6 points below the same-age average.
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Chevrolet Spark MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013age 12 | 3,52467,500 | 56.4%±1.7 | −9.4 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 3,21769,500 | 52.3%±1.8 | −11.2 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 3,19471,000 | 53.6%±1.8 | −7.6 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 2,70071,700 | 53.8%±1.9 | −5.5 ptsall: 59.3% |
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 upDoes mileage matter?
58.7% of Chevrolet Spark tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 48.2% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 71.9% and 59.0%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000–59,999 | 3,841 | 58.7%±1.6 | −13.2 ptsall: 71.9% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 5,134 | 52.1%±1.4 | −11.1 ptsall: 63.2% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 2,373 | 48.2%±2.1 | −10.8 ptsall: 59.0% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Spark 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 Spark 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 and 120,000 or more. 51 tests (0.4%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Spark problems at the MOT
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 Spark
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 19.8%1,146 tests | 12.0% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 16.0%928 tests | 7.9% |
| Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes | 13.0%757 tests | 2.0% |
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 12.7%737 tests | 11.0% |
| Service brake performance excessively bindingBrakes | 10.8%628 tests | 3.0% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 9.5%553 tests | 5.1% |
| Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics | 9.1%528 tests | 5.7% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 8.0%465 tests | 7.5% |
| Service brake imbalance across an axleBrakes | 6.9%398 tests | 1.5% |
| Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lampsLights and electrics | 6.3%367 tests | 4.9% |
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 Spark's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Spark
Lights and electrics
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Spark's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Chevrolet Spark cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 9.2% failed on tyres, against 5.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,374 and 4,286 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 15.3% of those with a tyre advisory and 13.2% of the others.
Brakes
Of Chevrolet Spark cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 19.7% failed on brakes, against 10.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,147 and 3,494 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 14.9% of those with a brake advisory and 13.0% of the others.
Suspension
Of Chevrolet Spark cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 19.8% failed on suspension, against 12.9% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,235 and 4,398 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 16.6% of those with a suspension advisory and 12.9% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataChevrolet Spark questions
Which Chevrolet Spark 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: 2010–2013. 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 Spark reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 54.1% of initial MOT tests on Chevrolet Spark cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 62.7%. That is 8.6 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 Spark problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 51.4% of failed tests), suspension (in 36.0% of failed tests) and brakes (in 35.0% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 15-year-old Chevrolet Spark?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Chevrolet Spark cars first used in 2010, about 15 years old, had a median of 71,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Spark'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 freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Chevrolet Spark
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Chevrolet models
- Chevrolet Matiz−6.6 pts against the same-age average
- Chevrolet Aveo−10.8 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Chevrolet Spark cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count