MOT failure rate and common problems for the Sym Ax, and how to check your own car by registration.

Updated 05 September 2026.

18.2%fail rate

Sym Ax MOT failure rate

What a Sym Ax fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.

What it fails on, and why

Tyres41.7% of failures

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.

Lamps & electrical33.3% of failures

Lighting is the single most common MOT failure and the cheapest to put right. A blown headlight, brake-light or number-plate bulb, a cracked lens, or a headlamp beam that points too high or low will all fail. Most are a two-minute bulb swap.

Exhaust & emissions16.7% of failures

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.

Steering16.7% of failures

Steering faults are typically worn track-rod ends or ball joints, play in the rack, or a split gaiter letting grease out and dirt in. Excessive free play at the wheel fails.

Brakes8.3% of failures

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.

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. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.

For the tyres failure: Sym Ax tyresShop Sym Ax tyres on Amazonaffiliate Find Sym Ax tyres on eBayaffiliate

For the lamps & electrical failure: Sym Ax headlight and indicator bulbsShop Sym Ax headlight and indicator bulbs on Amazonaffiliate Find Sym Ax headlight and indicator bulbs on eBayaffiliate

For the exhaust & emissions failure: Sym Ax exhaustShop Sym Ax exhaust on Amazonaffiliate Find Sym Ax exhaust on eBayaffiliate

For the steering failure: Sym Ax steering track rod endsShop Sym Ax steering track rod ends on Amazonaffiliate Find Sym Ax steering track rod ends on eBayaffiliate

For the brakes failure: Sym Ax brake pads and discsShop Sym Ax brake pads and discs on Amazonaffiliate Find Sym Ax brake pads and discs on eBayaffiliate

Other models

All Sym models MOT failure rates comparedRanked worst to best Sym Jet MOT failures21.6% failure rate Sym Symply MOT failures20.1% failure rate Ford Fiesta MOT failures27.1% failure rate

Questions and answers

What is the MOT failure rate of the Sym Ax?

It fails 18.2% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 66 tests.

What do these cars fail their MOT on most?

The most common failure area is tyres, at 41.7% of this model's failures.