2001 Porsche 911 (first used 2001) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 82.8% of Porsche 911s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 4,526 911 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Porsche 911s first used in 2001 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2001 Porsche 911 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 911s first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 911 figure was 21.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 911 | All cars first used 2001 | 911 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78.2% | 55.6% | 1,674 |
| 2022 | 79.4% | 57.4% | 1,596 |
| 2023 | 80.7% | 58.7% | 1,559 |
| 2024 | 81.6% | 59.4% | 1,487 |
| 2025 | 82.8% | 61.1% | 1,480 |
Common 2001 Porsche 911 MOT failures
Share of the 830 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 13.3% | 110 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 10.4% | 86 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 10.1% | 84 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 8.0% | 66 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 6.4% | 53 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2001 Porsche 911 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2001 Porsche 911 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 911s, as a share of all 4,526 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 14.3% | 649 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.1% | 413 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 8.7% | 392 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 8.3% | 375 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 4.7% | 213 |
Questions about the 2001 Porsche 911 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Porsche 911?
In 2025, 82.8% of 911s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 911 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 49.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (20.4%) and suspension (19.8%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (13.3%).
How often does a 2001 Porsche 911 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 17.2% of first tests on 911s first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 14.5% failed, and a further 2.7% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 830 of 4,526 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Porsche 911 MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 14.3% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.1%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (8.7%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (8.3%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (4.7%).
Is a 2001 Porsche 911 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 78.2% in 2021 to 82.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 911?
The numbers above cover every 911 first used in 2001 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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