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GWM Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a GWM? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

GWM reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 88.3% (+24.3 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 3 GWM models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 0.92% and the average retest rate is 7.9%. GWM sits well above the UK average on first-time MOT performance. For a buyer focused on long-term reliability, it's a solid badge — though individual mileage and service history still matter more than brand.

GWM first-time MOT pass rate

88.3%

Implied failure rate: 11.7% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+24.3 pp

Dangerous defects

0.92%

Retest rate

7.9%

How GWM compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.GWM’s pass rate of 88.3% is 24.3 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual GWM models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

GWM pass rate88.3%
UK average pass rate64%

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Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

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Top MOT failure categories for GWM

Aggregated across 3 GWM models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

10.9%
2

Suspension

8.7%
3

Tyres

8.7%
4

Brakes

7.9%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

2%

Related reading

GWM MOT check

Per-model pass rates and free registration lookup.

GWM common faults

Detailed fault list and indicative repair costs.

GWM pass rate 2025

Most-recent year-keyed pass rate analysis.

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Tesla reliability

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GWM reliability — FAQ

Is GWM a reliable car brand in the UK?
GWM's first-time MOT pass rate of 88.3% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the stronger half of brands for MOT reliability. We track 3 GWM models in our dataset.
What is the most reliable GWM model for MOT?
We don't have enough sample-size in our dataset to single out the most reliable GWM model — but in general, newer petrol and EV examples outperform older diesels.
Which GWM models fail their MOT most often?
Sample sizes are too thin in our dataset to confidently single out the worst-performing GWM models. The full MOT history of the specific car is the best signal.
What are the most common MOT failures on a GWM?
Aggregated across GWM models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (10.9%), suspension (8.7%), tyres (8.7%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 3 GWM models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.