Caterham Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Caterham model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 4,340 real MOT tests.
Average Caterham MOT pass rate: 91%
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91%
Avg pass rate
9%
Avg fail rate
4
Models tested
Caterham Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterham Seven | 33% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Caterham Super 7 | 13% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 3 | Caterham Unclassified | 9% | ||
| 4 | Caterham Seven (s3) | 8% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration |
Most Reliable Caterham Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Caterham models least likely to have MOT problems
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterham Seven (s3) | 91% | |
| 2 | Caterham Unclassified | 91% | |
| 3 | Caterham Super 7 | 88% | |
| 4 | Caterham Seven | 67% |
All Caterham Models by Fail Rate
Every Caterham model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven | 2010 | 67% | 33% | |
| Super 7 | 1999 | 82% | 18% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1993 | 81% | 14% | |
| Unclassified | 2021 | 86% | 13% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1995 | 87% | 13% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1992 | 87% | 13% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1991 | 88% | 12% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2001 | 88% | 11% | |
| Unclassified | 2019 | 90% | 10% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1997 | 86% | 10% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2000 | 90% | 10% | |
| Unclassified | 2016 | 91% | 9% | |
| Unclassified | 2020 | 91% | 9% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1996 | 91% | 9% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2004 | 88% | 9% | |
| Unclassified | 2012 | 90% | 9% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2007 | 91% | 9% | |
| Unclassified | 2018 | 92% | 8% | |
| Unclassified | 2017 | 92% | 8% | |
| Unclassified | 2013 | 92% | 8% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2006 | 90% | 8% | |
| Super 7 | 1997 | 93% | 7% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1999 | 94% | 6% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1994 | 94% | 6% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2005 | 94% | 6% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2003 | 94% | 6% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2002 | 93% | 5% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2009 | 95% | 5% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2008 | 96% | 4% | |
| Seven (s3) | 1998 | 97% | 3% | |
| Unclassified | 2015 | 97% | 3% | |
| Seven (s3) | 2010 | 98% | 2% |
Caterham MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Caterham cars?
The most common MOT problems on Caterham cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Caterham diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The Seven has the highest average fail rate at 33%.
Which Caterham model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Caterham model in our data is the Seven (s3) with an average MOT pass rate of 91%. View all Caterham models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Caterham?
The average MOT pass rate for Caterham is 91%, based on 4,340 MOT tests across 4 models. This means about 9% of Caterham cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Caterham
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.