The best and worst cars when it comes to UK MOT failures have been revealed for the first time. It follows a campaign from the BBC to get the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), to release the figures under the Freedom of Information Act.

The released information is based on 2007 data and shows that the highest failure rate was for the Ford Transit Connect at 30.5%, followed by the Renault Megane at 28.1%. Other models high in the failure stakes included the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Mondeo, Renault Clio, Ford Ka, Peugeot 206 and Ford Transit all with failure rates over 20%. The Toyota Corolla had the lowest failure rate at just 11.2%.

VOSA however warned that the data needs careful interpretation. A spokesman said, “Failure rates do not necessarily reflect on the ‘reliability or longevity’ of the particular make and model of car concerned and very often say more about the owner and the way the car has been used and maintained.”