Chevrolet Tacuma

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2007 1.6 petrol. 48 of 137 tests failed, 35%.

Better than 1% of 2007 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 935 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• 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
• A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
• A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

Where it stands out against its peers

• Exhaust and emissions: failed more often than 94% of 2007 cars — 33% of its 48 failed tests, where an ordinary 2007 car has 12%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Suspension — 44% of its failures
  • 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
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• Exhaust and emissions — 33% of its failures
• Brakes — 31% of its failures
  • Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
  • Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
• Tyres and wheels — 25% of its failures
• Lights and electrics — 52% of its failures
  • A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 31% of its failures
  • 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
  • Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired