Car statistics
Rover 25 statistics
How many Rover 25s are still on the road in Great Britain, how many are declared off the road, how new registrations have changed and which fuels they use. Built from DVLA licensing records and 2,453 DVSA MOT tests.
- Licensed in Great Britain 1,952 −23.0% on a year earlier
- Declared SORN 6,059 Off the road, not taxed
- MOT first-time pass rate, 2025 62.0% Cars of the same ages 60.9%
- Rank by number licensed No. 563 of 1,159 models we cover
- Peak year 2005 151,539 licensed
- Average annual mileage 2,872 miles a year
How many Rover 25s are left in Great Britain?
There were 1,952 Rover 25s licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 6,059 declared off the road (SORN). That is 98.7% fewer than the peak of 151,539 in 2005.
Rover 25s licensed in Great Britain
Numbers peaked in 2005 and have fallen every year since, as older cars are scrapped faster than new ones are registered.
| Year | Licensed |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 1,175 |
| 2000 | 42,898 |
| 2001 | 82,693 |
| 2002 | 112,645 |
| 2003 | 132,059 |
| 2004 | 146,069 |
| 2005 | 151,539 |
| 2006 | 149,877 |
| 2007 | 146,144 |
| 2008 | 140,978 |
| 2009 | 134,528 |
| 2010 | 124,324 |
| 2011 | 110,386 |
| 2012 | 93,985 |
| 2013 | 76,536 |
| 2014 | 59,346 |
| 2015 | 44,922 |
| 2016 | 33,038 |
| 2017 | 23,027 |
| 2018 | 16,124 |
| 2019 | 11,435 |
| 2020 | 8,241 |
| 2021 | 5,936 |
| 2022 | 4,616 |
| 2023 | 3,527 |
| 2024 | 2,718 |
| 2025 | 2,112 |
| 2026 | 1,952 |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Fuel type
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Rover 25 versions
The Rover 25 GSI has its own page. The figures above include every version; each version page covers only the cars DVLA records under that version’s name.
| Version | Licensed | SORN |
|---|---|---|
| Rover 25 GSI | 70 | 75 |
Rover 25 MOT reliability
In 2025, 62.0% of Rover 25 MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Rover 25s tested pass 60.9% of the time, so the Rover 25 does better than average for its age, by 1.1 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 62.2%.
MOT first-time pass rate by age: Rover 25 vs all cars
Comparing like with like: each bar pair covers cars of the same age, so an older average age does not count against a model.
| Vehicle age | Rover 25 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 20+ years | 62.1% | 61.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Rover 25 MOT failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Rover 25 fails its MOT, appearing on 43.1% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 5.8% of Rover 25 tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.
Most common MOT failure categories
| Defect category | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 43.1% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 38.5% |
| Brakes | 24.8% |
| Suspension | 21.5% |
| Visibility | 18.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.3% |
| Tyres | 10.6% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 8.4% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Most common Rover 25 MOT defects and advisories
The single most common reason a Rover 25 failed its MOT in 2025 was “Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, on 24.2% of 931 failed tests. 62.3% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.
Most common reasons for failure
Share of failed tests with each defect. A test can fail for more than one.
| Defect | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Body, chassis, structure | 24.2% |
| Component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Suspension | 14.0% |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively Visibility | 11.8% |
| Stop lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 9.8% |
| Exhaust system: major leak of exhaust gases Body, chassis, structure | 8.1% |
| Position lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7.4% |
| Service brake performance: excessively binding Brakes | 6.4% |
| Service brake imbalance: across an axle Brakes | 6.2% |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.4% |
| Rear fog lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.3% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Most common advisories
Share of all tests with each advisory: worth checking on a car you are buying.
| Advisory | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing Tyres | 16.0% |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge Tyres | 12.5% |
| Engine oil leak, but not excessive Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.1% |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material Brakes | 8.7% |
| Component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Suspension | 7.7% |
| Exhaust system: minor leak of exhaust gases Body, chassis, structure | 7.4% |
| Coil spring: corroded Suspension | 7.0% |
| Service brake performance: binding but not excessively Brakes | 6.4% |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread Identification of the vehicle | 4.9% |
| Other components: slight seepage from a component Steering | 4.9% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Rover 25 annual mileage
The average Rover 25 covers 2,872 miles a year, worked out from odometer readings at consecutive MOT tests.
Average annual mileage by age
| Vehicle age | Miles a year |
|---|---|
| 20+ years | 2,853 |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Rover 25 registrations over time
Registrations of Rover 25s for the first time in Great Britain were highest at 42,020 in 2001, when this data begins. In 2025, 0 were registered. With almost none registered new, the number on the road is likely to keep falling.
Registered for the first time, by year
| Year | First registrations |
|---|---|
| ’01 | 42,020 |
| ’02 | 31,065 |
| ’03 | 24,356 |
| ’04 | 11,732 |
| ’05 | 5,135 |
| ’06 | 671 |
| ’07 | 55 |
| ’08 | 14 |
| ’09 | 7 |
| ’10 | 3 |
| ’11 | 4 |
| ’12 | 1 |
| ’13 | 2 |
| ’14 | 0 |
| ’15 | 0 |
| ’16 | 0 |
| ’17 | 0 |
| ’18 | 0 |
| ’19 | 0 |
| ’20 | 0 |
| ’21 | 0 |
| ’22 | 1 |
| ’23 | 0 |
| ’24 | 0 |
| ’25 | 0 |
Source:DfT / DVLA 2001 to 2025 Updated
Rover 25 engine sizes and fuel types
Of the 2,140 Rover 25s licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 76.4% have an engine of 1,301cc to 1,400cc, and 14.3% have an engine of 1,501cc to 1,600cc.
Engine sizes, end of 2025
DVLA records engine size in 100cc bands.
| Engine size | Share of those licensed |
|---|---|
| 1,301cc to 1,400cc 1,635 licensed | 76.4% |
| 1,501cc to 1,600cc 306 licensed | 14.3% |
| 1,901cc to 2,000cc 124 licensed | 5.8% |
| 1,701cc to 1,800cc 54 licensed | 2.5% |
| Other sizes 21 licensed | 1.0% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
| Engine size | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,301–1,400cc | Petrol | 1,633 | 76.3% |
| 1,501–1,600cc | Petrol | 306 | 14.3% |
| 1,901–2,000cc | Diesel | 124 | 5.8% |
| 1,701–1,800cc | Petrol | 54 | 2.5% |
Fuel type, 2014 to 2025
Share of those licensed at the end of each year.
| Year | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 93.2% | 6.8% |
| 2015 | 93.2% | 6.8% |
| 2016 | 93.2% | 6.8% |
| 2017 | 93.3% | 6.7% |
| 2018 | 93.5% | 6.5% |
| 2019 | 93.2% | 6.8% |
| 2020 | 93.6% | 6.4% |
| 2021 | 93.5% | 6.5% |
| 2022 | 93.5% | 6.5% |
| 2023 | 93.9% | 6.0% |
| 2024 | 94.2% | 5.8% |
| 2025 | 94.1% | 5.8% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.
Rover 25 fuel economy and CO2
The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Rover 25 from 2000, when the data begins, to 2006. On the NEDC test (listings 2000 to 2006), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 34.3 to 53.8 mpg, with CO2 of 150 to 196 g/km.
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 petrol | 41.3–42.0 | 160–164 | 2002–2006 | Euro 3 | 5 |
| 1.4 petrol | 41.3–42.8 | 162–164 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 8 |
| 1.6 petrol | 36.6–42.5 | 164–184 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 11 |
| 1.8 petrol | 34.3–37.8 | 178–196 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 8 |
| 2.0 diesel | 51.5–53.8 | 150 | 2000–2006 | Euro 3 | 5 |
Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated
- Official figures from laboratory type-approval tests. VCA says they may not be achieved in real-world driving, and should not be used to rank cars with similar figures.
- Engine sizes are rounded to the nearest 0.1 litre. A version is one line in VCA’s data (description, gearbox, engine and fuel), counted once however many years it was listed. Matched from VCA’s model name “Rover 25”. How we use VCA’s figures.
Rover 25 safety recalls
We found no recalls for the Rover 25 in DVSA’s records since 1992. That does not mean none apply: DVSA sometimes records a recall under a range or chassis name we cannot match to a model. Check a specific car on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check.
A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Rover 25. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.
Compare the Rover 25 with other Rover models
| Model | Licensed | Change on a year | SORN | Rank | Main fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rover 25 | 1,952 | −23.0% | 6,059 | 563 | Petrol |
| Rover Mini | 6,635 | −2.4% | 22,075 | 392 | Petrol |
| Rover 75 | 5,189 | −16.9% | 8,453 | 433 | Diesel |
| Rover Range Rover | 1,432 | +4.5% | 5,716 | 614 | Petrol |
| Rover SD1 | 1,403 | +0.2% | 1,547 | 618 | Petrol |
Data sources and methodology
| Figures | Source | Period | Records | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed and SORN counts | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | End of March 2026 | 8,011 25 records (licensed and SORN) | 15 September 2026 |
| Registered for the first time | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | 2001 to 2025 | – | 15 September 2026 |
| MOT results and mileage | Anonymised MOT tests and results Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Derived statistics UK Motoring | 2025 | 2,453 MOT tests | 15 September 2026 |
- Figures cover Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland is not included.
- Licensed counts are vehicles with a current tax or exemption at the end of each year (or the latest quarter). SORN counts are shown separately.
- First registrations count vehicles registered in Great Britain for the first time, including used imports.
- Models are grouped by DVLA’s generic model name, so every generation and trim counts together.
- MOT figures cover normal tests of cars aged three and over in 2025; retests are excluded. Age is rounded to the nearest year.
- DVSA records the model name typed in at the test. We match those names to DVLA’s generic models, so a handful of tests may be counted under a close relative.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.