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Isuzu D-Max years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

37,071 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2012–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 11 Isuzu D-Max years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

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.

70.9%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 70.4% to 71.3%.

In 2025, 70.9% of the 37,071 initial MOT tests on Isuzu D-Max cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 77.9%. That is 7.0 points below the same-age average.

Check a specific D-Max

Its own MOT history, free.

Isuzu D-Max 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.

YearChartTestsmedian milesPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles that year
2022age 33,49436,50084.2%±1.3−4.3 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 43,14345,60082.6%±1.4−4.6 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 52,53653,30077.0%±1.7−9.0 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 63,79062,50075.0%±1.5−8.5 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 73,82771,40072.2%±1.5−8.7 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 84,24378,90069.8%±1.4−8.4 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 94,17787,30066.6%±1.5−8.3 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 104,41894,60064.8%±1.5−7.1 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 113,729102,20062.7%±1.6−5.9 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 122,576107,00060.9%±1.9−4.9 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 131,138113,20059.0%±2.9−4.5 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

Does mileage matter?

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

85.9% of Isuzu D-Max tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 58.5% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 89.7% and 66.9%.

Miles at the testTestsPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles, same age and mileage
Under 30,0003,52885.9%±1.2−3.8 ptsall: 89.7%
30,000–59,9999,58378.8%±0.9−3.6 ptsall: 82.4%
60,000–89,99910,09571.2%±0.9−3.3 ptsall: 74.5%
90,000–119,9997,47663.8%±1.1−5.3 ptsall: 69.1%
120,000 or more6,35858.5%±1.3−8.3 ptsall: 66.9%

Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, D-Max 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 Isuzu D-Max 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. 31 tests (0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count

Common D-Max problems at the MOT

Share of the 10,795 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%.

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 Isuzu D-Max

The defects recorded most often at the 10,795 failed initial tests on Isuzu D-Max 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.

DefectShare of failed testsAll vehicles, same age
Rear fog lamp not workingLights and electrics14.1%1,522 tests1.1%
Shock absorber has an excessively worn bushSuspension12.6%1,365 tests0.4%
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics10.9%1,174 tests4.8%
Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors9.3%1,002 tests7.8%
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gasesBody, chassis, structure9.1%987 tests1.4%
Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension8.4%905 tests4.2%
Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks7.3%786 tests5.3%
Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes7.0%753 tests0.8%
Wheel bearing has excessive playSuspension6.3%685 tests0.3%
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres6.3%676 tests9.1%

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 D-Max's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a D-Max

Based on the areas where Isuzu D-Max MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

  1. Lights and electrics

    In 45.5% of failed D-Max 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.
  2. Suspension

    In 35.6% of failed D-Max 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.
  3. Brakes

    In 30.9% of failed D-Max 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.
  4. Windscreen, wipers, mirrors

    In 17.1% of failed D-Max tests

    • 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 D-Max's MOT history

After an MOT advisory

Isuzu D-Max cars that passed their 2024 MOT first time with an advisory, and what their next MOT found, against similar cars that passed with nothing noted in that area. All first-use years together.

Tyres

Of Isuzu D-Max cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 5.1% failed on tyres, against 2.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,700 and 15,081 cars.

  • With a tyre advisory5.1%
  • Similar cars, nothing noted2.3%

Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 11.8% of those with a tyre advisory and 11.1% of the others.

Brakes

Of Isuzu D-Max cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 12.1% failed on brakes, against 6.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,059 and 14,735 cars.

  • With a brake advisory12.1%
  • Similar cars, nothing noted6.3%

Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 11.8% of those with a brake advisory and 11.1% of the others.

Suspension

Of Isuzu D-Max cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 15.5% failed on suspension, against 8.2% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,737 and 13,907 cars.

  • With a suspension advisory15.5%
  • Similar cars, nothing noted8.2%

Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 12.8% of those with a suspension advisory and 10.8% 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 data

Isuzu D-Max questions

Which Isuzu D-Max 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: 2012–2022. 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 Isuzu D-Max reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 70.9% of initial MOT tests on Isuzu D-Max cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 77.9%. That is 7.0 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 Isuzu D-Max problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 45.5% of failed tests), suspension (in 35.6% of failed tests) and brakes (in 30.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Isuzu D-Max?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Isuzu D-Max cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 94,600 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific D-Max'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 Isuzu D-Max

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 show
Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

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