We've only got 465 MOT tests for Rover 45 models built around 2004 (21 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.
We've only seen a handful of Rover 45 models built around 2004 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Before you view it
The Rover 45's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your 45's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Rover 45.
See every build year for the Rover 45By age
This chart combines every Rover 45 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
All generations of this model
These issues come from 21-year-old Rover 45 models, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
Exhaust has a minor leak
Based on 465 MOT tests on 21-year-old Rover 45 models, every generation combined.
All generations of this model
The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 21-year-old Rover 45 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.
Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.
Across 241 MOT tests on Rover 45 cars built around 2004 (21 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
Not enough registration data to show this for the Rover 45.
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Rover 45 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 25.9%, against 32.0% for the Rover 45, both built around 2004.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
11,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 27.2%, against 32.0% for the Rover 45, both built around 2004.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 23.6%, against 32.0% for the Rover 45, both built around 2004.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,985 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 25.8%, against 32.0% for the Rover 45, both built around 2004.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,976 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
Common questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Rover 45 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 465 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
