1997 Rover 21 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 21 models manufactured in 1997, based on 39 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 21 cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Rover 21 vintage page → (40.6% current pass rate)1997 Rover 21 MOT Analysis
The 1997 Rover 21 has an MOT pass rate of 46.2% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 83,601 miles on the odometer. With a 53.8% failure rate, the 1997 21 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Rover 21 is Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions, responsible for 7.7% 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 5.1%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall 21 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 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 7.7% | 3 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.1% | 2 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 83,601 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.92 | 7.7% | 3 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.61 | 5.1% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.31 | 2.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Rover 21 has an MOT pass rate of 46.2% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 83,601 miles on the odometer. With a 53.8% failure rate, the 1997 21 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Rover 21, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to exhaust, fuel and emissions: 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 83,601 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 7.7% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 7.7% of MOT failures on 1997 Rover 21 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 — 5.1% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 5.1% of MOT failures on 1997 Rover 21 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.
Driver's View of the Road — 2.6% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1997 Rover 21 models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.