Does the Chevrolet Kalos fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Chevrolet Kalos records 40.08 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 28.74 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+11.34, 95% interval +10.61 to +12.07). It ranks 46 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Chevrolet Kalos by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Chevrolet Kalos is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 6,221 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 6,221 | 21.53 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 2,752 | 9.52 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 461 | 1.60 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 458 | 1.58 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 429 | 1.48 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 28,900 (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
If a Chevrolet Kalos gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
29.5% of Chevrolet Kalos MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 3,550 miles later (6,212 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 6,212 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Chevrolet Kalos 2005 · Chevrolet Kalos 2006 · Chevrolet Kalos 2007 · Chevrolet Kalos 2008 · Chevrolet Kalos in Finland · Chevrolet Kalos in the Netherlands · Chevrolet Kalos by postcode area · Chevrolet Kalos body, chassis and structure failures · Chevrolet Kalos brakes failures · Chevrolet Kalos vehicle identification failures · Chevrolet Kalos lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Chevrolet Kalos noise, emissions and leaks failures · Chevrolet Kalos road wheels failures · Chevrolet Kalos seat belts and airbags failures · Chevrolet Kalos steering failures · Chevrolet Kalos tyres failures · Chevrolet Kalos visibility failures