1978 Opel Rekord MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Rekord models manufactured in 1978, based on 30 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Opel Rekord MOT Analysis
The 1978 Opel Rekord has an MOT pass rate of 40.0% based on 30 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 50,005 miles on the odometer. With a 60.0% failure rate, the 1978 Rekord is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Opel Rekord is Body, chassis, structure, responsible for 3.3% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 3.3%. Steering follows at 3.3%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Rekord 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 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 3.3% | 1 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.3% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 3.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 50,005 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.67 | 3.3% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.67 | 3.3% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.67 | 3.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Opel Rekord has an MOT pass rate of 40.0% based on 30 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 50,005 miles on the odometer. With a 60.0% failure rate, the 1978 Rekord is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Opel Rekord, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, chassis, structure: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. At 50,005 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Body, chassis, structure — 3.3% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1978 Opel Rekord models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 3.3% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1978 Opel Rekord 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.
Steering — 3.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1978 Opel Rekord models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.