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Microcar M Reliability and Common Problems

Typical MOT issues to check on the Microcar M, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 405 MOT tests across 4 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).

Segment: city car | Fuel: Petrol

79%

Microcar M pass rate

78%

Microcar average

82%

All-model average

The Microcar M has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, which is 1 point above the Microcar average and 3 points below the average across all models in our data.

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Common MOT Issues to Check on the Microcar M

Typical issues for a car of this age and type, estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size (not counted from its MOT records), with rough repair costs

Brakes

High likelihood

£80 - £450

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed

Failure points:

Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum

Suspension

High likelihood

£150 - £600

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded

Failure points:

Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking

Lights

High likelihood

£15 - £200

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated

Failure points:

Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure

Exhaust & Emissions

High likelihood

£80 - £800

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak

Failure points:

Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning

Steering

High likelihood

£100 - £500

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated

Failure points:

Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits

Tyres

Moderate likelihood

£50 - £300

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall

Failure points:

Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply

Body & Structure

Moderate likelihood

£200 - £1200

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage

Failure points:

Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness

Windscreen & Wipers

Lower likelihood

£10 - £350

Typical repair cost

Common advisories:

Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated

Failure points:

Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen

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Microcar M Reliability by Year

MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.

2014
76%
2015
76%
2016
82%
2017
78%
YearFuelEnginePass RateFail Rate
2017Petrol0.5L78%19%
2016Petrol0.5L82%17%
2015Petrol0.5L76%23%
2014Petrol0.5L76%23%

Microcar M Running Costs

Want to know the full annual running costs for the Microcar M? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.

View Microcar M Running Costs

Microcar M FAQ

What are the most common Microcar M problems?

Typical issues to check on a Microcar M of this age and type are brakes, suspension, lights, exhaust & emissions and steering. These are estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size, not counted from its MOT records. Across 405 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 79% ended in a pass.

Is the Microcar M reliable?

The Microcar M has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, from 405 MOT tests. That is 3 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.

How much does it cost to fix common Microcar M faults?

As a rough guide, brake work on a Microcar M typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.

Check a Specific Microcar M

Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.

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