Rover 214
From 1,232 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are emissions levels exceed default limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired and emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits. The top issue, emissions levels exceed default limits, caused 68 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 68 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 55 |
| emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits | 49 |
| a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 46 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 32 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 29 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 28 |
| brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle. | 26 |
| exhaust system leaking or insecure | 26 |
| lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer | 24 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 40.5% of 214 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 15.1% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £177.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 73.6% | emissions levels exceed default limits, emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits |
| 1998 | 71.4% | an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction, brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle. |
| 1997 | 71.4% | a tyre seriously damaged, headlamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements |
| 1995 | 74.3% | emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc |
3 earlier years
| 1994 | 69.2% | emissions levels exceed default limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
| 1993 | 63.1% | a tyre seriously damaged, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
| 1992 | 76% | emissions levels exceed default limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
Typical mileage
Half of all 214s tested had between 40,105 and 83,393 miles on the clock.
At 62,513 median miles, the 214 has 0.046 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Rover models
| Rover Mini | 75.8% |
| Rover 75 | 67.7% |
| Rover 25 | 68.2% |
| Rover 45 | 65.3% |
| Rover 216 | 72% |
Common questions
What is the Rover 214 MOT pass rate?
The Rover 214 has a 71.5% MOT pass rate based on 1,232 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Rover 214?
The most common MOT failure on the Rover 214 is emissions levels exceed default limits, which caused 68 failures. Other common issues include the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired.
What is the typical mileage of a Rover 214 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Rover 214 is 62,513 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 40,105 and 83,393 miles.
Buying a used 214?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 71.5% pass rate and an average repair bill of £177 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 40.5% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.