Rover 45 Reliability and Common Problems
What the Rover 45 fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 3,645 MOT tests across 6 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: family car | Fuel: Petrol
70%
Rover 45 pass rate
74%
Rover average
82%
All-model average
The Rover 45 has an average MOT pass rate of 70%, which is 4 points below the Rover average and 12 points below the average across all models in our data. The Rover 45 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
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What the Rover 45 Fails Its MOT On
Of the 629 MOT tests on the Rover 45 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Suspension
37%Cars and vans the same age: 38% · Typical repair £150-£600
Body, chassis and structure
37%Cars and vans the same age: 22% (the 45 fails on this more often) · Typical repair £200-£1200
Lights and electrics
32%Cars and vans the same age: 49% (the 45 fails on this less often) · Typical repair £15-£200
Brakes
30%Cars and vans the same age: 31% · Typical repair £80-£450
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
15%Cars and vans the same age: 18% · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Suspension mounting area corroded, significantly reducing its strength (22% of failed tests, suspension)
- Drive shaft CV boot split or insecure (16% of failed tests, body, chassis and structure)
- Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases (9.5% of failed tests, body, chassis and structure)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
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Rover 45 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.
Rover 45 Running Costs
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Rover 45 FAQ
What are the most common Rover 45 problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Rover 45 that failed at the first attempt most often failed on suspension (37% of the 629 failed tests), body, chassis and structure (37%) and lights and electrics (32%). The single most common fault was "Suspension mounting area corroded, significantly reducing its strength" (22%). Across 3,645 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 70% ended in a pass.
Is the Rover 45 reliable?
The Rover 45 has an average MOT pass rate of 70%, from 3,645 MOT tests. That is 12 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.
Which year Rover 45 is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2004 Rover 45 has the highest MOT pass rate: 72% of its 809 tests ended in a pass. The 2003 is level on 72%. The 2000 has the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Rover 45 faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Rover 45 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.
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Other Rover Models
Common problems pages for other Rover models