1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Shadow models manufactured in 1978, based on 238 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow MOT Analysis
The 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow has an MOT pass rate of 76.9% based on 238 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 68,798 miles on the odometer. With a 23.1% failure rate, the 1978 Shadow is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow is Suspension, responsible for 0.8% of failures. 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 range from £200–500. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 0.4%. Visibility follows at 0.4%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Shadow page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 0.8% | 2 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.4% | 1 |
| 3 | Visibility | 0.4% | 1 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 68,798 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.12 | 0.8% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.06 | 0.4% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.06 | 0.4% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.06 | 0.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow has an MOT pass rate of 76.9% based on 238 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 68,798 miles on the odometer. With a 23.1% failure rate, the 1978 Shadow is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: 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. At 68,798 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 0.8% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.8% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow 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.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.4% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow 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.
Visibility — 0.4% of failures
Visibility issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Shadow 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.