Coleman Milne E280 Classic common MOT failures and failure rate
What a Coleman Milne E280 Classic fails its MOT on, from real DVSA test data, and the part that resolves each item.
Based on 80 MOT tests in DVSA data.
About 18.8% of MOT tests recorded on the Coleman Milne E280 Classic in DVSA data end in a failure. The same handful of items account for most of them.
Its most common failure is suspension, which makes up 33.3% of the Coleman Milne E280 Classic's failures, followed by suspension, brakes, exhaust & emissions, tyres. Each item below links to the part that resolves it. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying, and have safety-critical work done by a competent mechanic.
What it fails on, and why
Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.
Brake failures cover worn pads and discs, an imbalance between wheels, corroded or scored discs, or a binding caliper. Braking efficiency is measured on a rolling road, so a spongy or pulling brake shows up as a low reading.
Exhaust failures cover leaks, insecure mountings and emissions over the limit. A blowing exhaust, a failed lambda reading or a diesel that smokes beyond the limit will fail.
Tyres fail for tread below the 1.6mm legal limit across the central three-quarters, uneven or exposed-cord wear, or sidewall damage. The tester inspects all four; a single illegal tyre is a fail.
Visibility failures include torn or smearing wiper blades, a washer jet that does not reach the screen, and chips or cracks in the driver's swept area. Blades and washer fluid are quick, cheap fixes.
This covers a range of smaller items, from a non-working horn to a warning light left on.
The parts that fix each
If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. These are the usual parts; confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.
Other models
Sources: DVSA MOT History API: MOT test results and defect data ยท DVSA MOT testing data for Great Britain