1990 Austin Metro L MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Metro L models manufactured in 1990, based on 46 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1990 Austin Metro L MOT Analysis
The 1990 Austin Metro L has an MOT pass rate of 56.5% based on 46 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 46,287 miles on the odometer. With a 43.5% failure rate, the 1990 Metro L is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1990 Austin Metro L is Brakes, responsible for 13.0% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Suspension is the second most common issue at 8.7%. Visibility follows at 4.3%.
Top failures specific to 1990 models only. The overall Metro L 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 | Brakes | 13.0% | 6 |
| 2 | Suspension | 8.7% | 4 |
| 3 | Visibility | 4.3% | 2 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 4.3% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 46,287 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.82 | 13.0% | 6 |
| Suspension | 1.88 | 8.7% | 4 |
| Visibility | 0.94 | 4.3% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.94 | 4.3% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1990 Austin Metro L has an MOT pass rate of 56.5% based on 46 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 46,287 miles on the odometer. With a 43.5% failure rate, the 1990 Metro L is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1990 Austin Metro L, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With relatively low average mileage of 46,287 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Brakes — 13.0% of failures
Brakes issues account for 13.0% of MOT failures on 1990 Austin Metro L models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Suspension — 8.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 8.7% of MOT failures on 1990 Austin Metro L models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Visibility — 4.3% of failures
Visibility issues account for 4.3% of MOT failures on 1990 Austin Metro L models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.