Caterham Common MOT Problems (2026)
Caterham models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 2,331 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Caterham MOT pass rate: 91%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
91%
Avg pass rate
9%
Avg fail rate
3
Models tested
Caterham Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterham Seven (S3) | 8% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration |
Most Reliable Caterham Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterham Seven (S3) | 91% |
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 wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Of the Caterham models with at least 1,000 tests, the Caterham Seven (S3) has the highest average fail rate at 8%.
Which Caterham model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Caterham Seven (S3) has the best MOT record of the Caterham models with at least 1,000 tests: 91% of its 2,113 MOT tests ended in a pass and 8% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Caterham?
The average MOT pass rate for Caterham is 91%, based on 2,331 MOT tests across 3 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 9% of MOT tests on Caterham cars ended in a fail.
Caterham Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Caterham model
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Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.