Rover Streetwise MOT Failures
An analysis of 12,964 real DVSA MOT tests on the Rover Streetwise — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Mk1 (2003–2006).
Where the Rover Streetwise fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Rover Streetwise is transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... — this model is 41 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 12,964 MOT tests, 9.78% of all Rover Streetwise tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include power steering fault (95x the fleet average), abs fault (38x the fleet average), track rod ends worn (28x the fleet average), and electrical wiring fault (13x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Rover Streetwise'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 4 categories: Bodywork, Steering, Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Rover Streetwise 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 Rover Streetwise'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 Rover Streetwise specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (95x the average) and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (41x). abs fault (38x) and track rod ends worn (28x) 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 Rover Streetwise specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (41x the average) and seat mounting fault (13x). abs fault (13x) and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (11x) 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 Rover Streetwise specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (22x the average) and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (6.5x). emissions failure (5.3x) and emissions failure also appear frequently.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Rover Streetwise specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe corrosion and cracking (Mk1) Dangerous
The rear subframe mounting areas suffer from severe corrosion that compromises structural integrity. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,000–£2,000.
Power steering fluid leakage and system failure (Mk1) Major
The hydraulic power steering system experiences widespread failures, with MOT data showing this model fails at 94.6 times the national average for power steering defects. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
CV joint boot deterioration (Mk1) Major
The CV joint rubber boots deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate, with MOT data showing failures at 40.9 times the national average. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£300.
Rear spring fracture (Mk1) Major
The rear coil springs fracture at 14.8 times the national average rate according to MOT data. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£250.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Rover Streetwise common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Rover Streetwise
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Rover Streetwise:
Bodywork — check for transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot..., structural corrosion, exhaust system damage. Steering — check for power steering fault, track rod ends worn. Suspension — check for abs fault, coil springs broken.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe corrosion and cracking and power steering fluid leakage and system failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,000. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Rover Streetwise?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Rover Streetwise MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Rover Streetwise?
Based on 12,964 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... — at 41x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include power steering fault and abs fault.
Is the Rover Streetwise reliable based on MOT data?
The Rover Streetwise has 15 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe corrosion and cracking as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Rover Streetwise most commonly fails on power steering fault and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are power steering fault and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot....
How do I check a Rover Streetwise'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.