Does the Reliant Scimitar fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Reliant Scimitar records 11.44 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.25 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−7.81, 95% interval −9.29 to −6.32). It ranks 564 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 Reliant Scimitar by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Reliant Scimitar is “A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated”, recorded 89 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 89 | 2.66 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 68 | 2.03 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 53 | 1.58 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 39 | 1.17 |
| 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 | 35 | 1.05 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,347 (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
Reliant Scimitar by postcode area · Reliant Scimitar body, chassis and structure failures · Reliant Scimitar brakes failures · Reliant Scimitar lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Reliant Scimitar noise, emissions and leaks failures · Reliant Scimitar seat belts and airbags failures · Reliant Scimitar steering failures · Reliant Scimitar tyres failures · Reliant Scimitar visibility failures