Rover Metro
From 1,716 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 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, emissions levels exceed default limits and 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.. The top issue, 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, caused 128 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.
| 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 | 128 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 114 |
| 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. | 63 |
| vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced | 61 |
| 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 | 57 |
| service brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 43 |
| exhaust system leaking or insecure | 40 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 37 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 34 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 34 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 46.8% of Metro failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 21.9% 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 £212.
Rover Metro on UK roads
The fleet is shrinking: 104 scrapped or exported in the past year, a net loss of 104. At this rate, roughly 27.7 years until none remain. Now at 1% of its peak (295,865 in 1996 Q4).
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 418 | 2,459 | +0 | -0 | +0 |
| 2025 Q2 | 440 | 2,437 | +0 | -12 | -12 |
| 2025 Q1 | 391 | 2,498 | +0 | -29 | -29 |
| 2024 Q4 | 400 | 2,518 | +0 | -63 | -63 |
| 2024 Q3 | 452 | 2,529 | +0 | -17 | -17 |
| 2024 Q2 | 461 | 2,537 | +0 | -3 | -3 |
| 2024 Q1 | 431 | 2,570 | +0 | -32 | -32 |
| 2023 Q4 | 449 | 2,584 | +0 | -4 | -4 |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 70.2% | 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 | 73% | 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, emissions levels exceed default limits |
| 1992 | 76.2% | 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, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 1991 | 65.8% | 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, emissions levels exceed default limits |
2 earlier years
| 1990 | 79.1% | vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, emissions levels exceed default limits |
| 1989 | 79.5% | a headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of led, exhaust system leaking or insecure |
Typical mileage
Half of all Metros tested had between 36,714 and 61,156 miles on the clock.
At 50,055 median miles, the Metro has 0.055 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 Metro MOT pass rate?
The Rover Metro has a 72.6% MOT pass rate based on 1,716 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Rover Metro?
The most common MOT failure on the Rover Metro is 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, which caused 128 failures. Other common issues include emissions levels exceed default limits.
How many Rover Metros are on UK roads?
There are 418 Rover Metros currently licensed on UK roads, with 2,459 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Rover Metro at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Rover Metro is 50,055 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 36,714 and 61,156 miles.
Buying a used Metro?
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 72.6% pass rate and an average repair bill of £212 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 46.8% 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.