1966 Austin Healey Sprite MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Sprite models manufactured in 1966, based on 356 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Sprite cars tested in 1966. Want to see how cars built in 1966 hold up over time?
View 1966 Austin Healey Sprite vintage page → (61.1% current pass rate)1966 Austin Healey Sprite MOT Analysis
The 1966 Austin Healey Sprite has an MOT pass rate of 75.0% based on 356 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 39,951 miles on the odometer. With a 25.0% failure rate, the 1966 Sprite is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1966 Austin Healey Sprite is Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, responsible for 2.5% of failures. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs range from £50–200 per belt. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 1.4%. Noise, emissions and leaks follows at 1.1%.
Top failures specific to 1966 models only. The overall Sprite page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 2.5% | 9 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.4% | 5 |
| 3 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.1% | 4 |
| 4 | Visibility | 1.1% | 4 |
| 5 | Steering | 0.6% | 2 |
| 6 | Tyres | 0.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 39,951 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 0.63 | 2.5% | 9 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.35 | 1.4% | 5 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.28 | 1.1% | 4 |
| Visibility | 0.28 | 1.1% | 4 |
| Steering | 0.14 | 0.6% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.07 | 0.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1966 Austin Healey Sprite has an MOT pass rate of 75.0% based on 356 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 39,951 miles on the odometer. With a 25.0% failure rate, the 1966 Sprite is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1966 Austin Healey Sprite, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard. With relatively low average mileage of 39,951 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 2.5% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 2.5% of MOT failures on 1966 Austin Healey Sprite models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.4% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1966 Austin Healey Sprite models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 1.1% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1966 Austin Healey Sprite models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.