Chrysler Neon MOT Failures
An analysis of 3,879 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler Neon — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Chrysler Neon fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler Neon is headlight fault — this model is 26 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 3,879 MOT tests, 11.64% of all Chrysler Neon tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Other notable weak points include vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (16x the fleet average), abs fault (30x the fleet average), fluid leak (12x the fleet average), and brake hoses perished or damaged (8.0x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler Neon's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Lights & Electrics, Bodywork, Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions, Steering. If you're inspecting a Chrysler Neon before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Chrysler Neon's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Chrysler Neon specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (30x the average) and headlight fault (26x). track rod ends worn (19x) and brake hoses perished or damaged (8.0x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Chrysler Neon specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (62x the average) and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (16x). fluid leak (12x) and headlight fault (10x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Chrysler Neon specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (13x the average) and structural corrosion (12x). light unit fault (5.5x) and light unit fault also appear frequently.
The shift from abs fault at lower mileages to vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
What to check before buying a Chrysler Neon
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler Neon:
Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Bodywork — check for vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t..., engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det..., structural corrosion. Brakes — check for abs fault, brake hoses perished or damaged. Exhaust & Emissions — check for fluid leak.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Chrysler Neon?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Chrysler Neon MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Chrysler Neon?
Based on 3,879 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is headlight fault — at 26x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... and abs fault.
Is the Chrysler Neon reliable based on MOT data?
The Chrysler Neon has 12 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is headlight fault. Always check a specific car's full history before buying.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Chrysler Neon most commonly fails on vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... and structural corrosion. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are abs fault and headlight fault.
How do I check a Chrysler Neon's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.