1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Silver Shadow 2 models manufactured in 1978, based on 420 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Silver Shadow 2 cars tested in 1978. Want to see how cars built in 1978 hold up over time?
View 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 vintage page → (63.6% current pass rate)1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 MOT Analysis
The 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 has an MOT pass rate of 72.9% based on 420 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 80,662 miles on the odometer. With a 27.1% failure rate, the 1978 Silver Shadow 2 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 0.5% of failures. 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 range from £100–1,000+. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Suspension follows at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Silver Shadow 2 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.5% | 2 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.2% | 1 |
| 3 | Suspension | 0.2% | 1 |
| 4 | Visibility | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 80,662 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.06 | 0.5% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.03 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.03 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.03 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 has an MOT pass rate of 72.9% based on 420 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 80,662 miles on the odometer. With a 27.1% failure rate, the 1978 Silver Shadow 2 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: 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. With an average mileage of 80,662 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.5% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 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.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.2% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 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.
Suspension — 0.2% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.