Does the Caterham Seven fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The Caterham Seven records 3.32 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 11.63 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−8.31, 95% interval −9.02 to −7.60). It ranks 738 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Caterham Seven by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Caterham Seven is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 125 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 125 | 1.41 |
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 50 | 0.56 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 43 | 0.48 |
| Wiper blade defective | 34 | 0.38 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 8,876 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Caterham Seven by postcode area · Caterham Seven body, chassis and structure failures · Caterham Seven brakes failures · Caterham Seven vehicle identification failures · Caterham Seven lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Caterham Seven noise, emissions and leaks failures · Caterham Seven steering failures · Caterham Seven suspension failures · Caterham Seven tyres failures