1988 Reliant Rialto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Rialto models manufactured in 1988, based on 2,124 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Rialto cars tested in 1988. Want to see how cars built in 1988 hold up over time?
View 1988 Reliant Rialto vintage page → (71.9% current pass rate)1988 Reliant Rialto MOT Analysis
The 1988 Reliant Rialto has an MOT pass rate of 64.1% based on 2,124 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,558 miles on the odometer. With a 35.9% failure rate, the 1988 Rialto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 Reliant Rialto is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 1.9% of failures. 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 range from £5–50. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 0.4%. Visibility follows at 0.3%.
Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall Rialto 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 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.9% | 40 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.4% | 8 |
| 3 | Visibility | 0.3% | 7 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.3% | 6 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.2% | 5 |
| 6 | Steering | 0.2% | 4 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 56,558 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.33 | 1.9% | 40 |
| Body & Structure | 0.07 | 0.4% | 8 |
| Visibility | 0.06 | 0.3% | 7 |
| Suspension | 0.05 | 0.3% | 6 |
| Brakes | 0.04 | 0.2% | 5 |
| Steering | 0.03 | 0.2% | 4 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1988 Reliant Rialto has an MOT pass rate of 64.1% based on 2,124 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,558 miles on the odometer. With a 35.9% failure rate, the 1988 Rialto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1988 Reliant Rialto, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 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. At 56,558 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1988 Reliant Rialto 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.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.4% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1988 Reliant Rialto 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.
Visibility — 0.3% of failures
Visibility issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1988 Reliant Rialto 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.