⚙️ Road Wheels MOT Failures
Wheel failures include cracked or damaged rims, missing wheel nuts, incorrect wheel fitment, and excessive wheel bearing play.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
✅ Best 20 — Lowest Road Wheels Failure Rate
These models have the lowest road wheels failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid road wheels problems.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall | Corsa Griffin S/s | 0% | 7,025 |
| 2 | Hyundai | i10 | 0% | 1,761,007 |
| 3 | Honda | Jazz Sr I-mmd Cvt | 0% | 6,826 |
| 4 | Fiat | 500 Dolcevita Mhev | 0% | 6,883 |
| 5 | Land Rover | 88" - 4 Cyl | 0% | 44,032 |
| 6 | Subaru | Xv | 0% | 33,417 |
| 7 | MG | Hs | 0% | 6,847 |
| 8 | Land Rover | R Rover Evoque R-dyn S D 4x2 | 0% | 5,050 |
| 9 | Fiat | Swift | 0% | 27,557 |
| 10 | Audi | E-tron Technik 50 Quattro | 0% | 10,031 |
| 11 | Skoda | Karoq | 0% | 132,958 |
| 12 | Volkswagen | Tiguan Match Tsi Evo | 0% | 22,052 |
| 13 | Volkswagen | Tiguan Match Tdi S-a | 0% | 6,225 |
| 14 | Volvo | S90 | 0% | 25,667 |
| 15 | Skoda | Citigo | 0% | 314,177 |
| 16 | Mercedes-Benz | Sprinter 315 Progressive Cdi | 0% | 17,123 |
| 17 | Ldv | V80 | 0% | 7,870 |
| 18 | Vauxhall | Crossland | 0% | 119,898 |
| 19 | Subaru | Brz | 0% | 5,171 |
| 20 | MG | 5 | 0% | 6,855 |
❌ Worst 20 — Highest Road Wheels Failure Rate
These models have the highest road wheels failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford | Sportka | 6.1% | 6,881 |
| 2 | Renault | Clio Dynam Billabong 16v | 5.6% | 5,169 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | E 220 Amg Lne Ngt Ed Prm + D A | 5.3% | 6,859 |
| 4 | Ford | Puma | 4.1% | 323,010 |
| 5 | Mercedes | A 140 L | 3.9% | 12,392 |
| 6 | Renault | Megane Dynamique Dci 120 | 3.9% | 6,523 |
| 7 | Renault | Clio Dynamique 16v | 3.7% | 19,165 |
| 8 | Smart (mcc) | Roadster | 3.7% | 20,552 |
| 9 | Ford | Courier | 3.7% | 8,927 |
| 10 | Renault | Laguna Sport Tourer | 3.6% | 5,512 |
| 11 | Renault | Laguna Dynamique 16v | 3.6% | 7,520 |
| 12 | Ford | Fiesta Courier | 3.4% | 36,129 |
| 13 | Mercedes | A 140 | 3.4% | 265,055 |
| 14 | Chrysler | Voyager Le | 3.2% | 7,362 |
| 15 | Ford | Fiesta Style Climate | 3% | 15,662 |
| 16 | Mercedes | A 190 | 3% | 27,094 |
| 17 | Mcc | Smart Passion Softouch(rhd)a | 2.8% | 6,211 |
| 18 | Nissan | Kubistar | 2.8% | 38,503 |
| 19 | Chrysler | Neon Rt 16v | 2.7% | 5,039 |
| 20 | Chrysler | Grand Voyager Le Auto | 2.7% | 7,183 |
💡 How to Avoid Road Wheels Failures
- ✓ Check all wheel nuts are present and tight — a missing wheel nut is an MOT failure.
- ✓ Inspect alloy wheels for cracks, especially around the bead area and spoke roots.
- ✓ Listen for humming noises that increase with speed — this often indicates worn wheel bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wheel problems fail the MOT?
Missing or loose wheel nuts, cracked or damaged wheels, incorrectly fitted wheels, and excessive wheel bearing play all cause MOT failure.
Do kerbed alloys fail the MOT?
Minor cosmetic kerb damage doesn't fail the MOT. However, if the damage has caused a crack, exposed the tyre bead sealing surface, or caused a slow leak, it will fail.
How much does a wheel bearing cost?
Front wheel bearing replacement costs £80-£200 per side. Rear bearings are typically £60-£150. These prices include parts and fitting at a local garage.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.