Yamaha Xc (2016)

364 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.4% first-time pass rate

2016 Yamaha Xc

CarHunch analysed 364 real MOT records for the 2016 Yamaha Xc. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 364 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2016 Yamaha XC has an 85.2% first-time pass rate, which is a solid 5.2 percentage points above the UK average—a genuinely reassuring sign of reliability. However, nearly 30% of vehicles in this cohort have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a significant concern for any potential buyer and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

These bikes are running at a median of just 8,150 miles, suggesting most examples have been used lightly, which aligns well with the low average of 0.94 failures per vehicle. The average of 2.3 advisories per test indicates minor wear items rather than structural problems, so focus your pre-buy checks on brakes, tyres, and lights rather than expecting engine issues—but given that dangerous defect rate, have a qualified mechanic specifically inspect the steering and suspension.

The 2016 Yamaha Xc has a decent first-time pass rate (85.4%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
85.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
30%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.94
Over 5.3 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
8k
Middle half: 4k–16k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 85.4% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 364 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 364 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 36.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 21.2%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel · Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 14.6%
Headlamp aim too low
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 12.6%
Horn not working · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread
Suspension & steering 11.2%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 364 Yamaha Xc cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Yamaha Xc

Based on MOT data from 364 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 30% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,330 Yamaha Xc vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 29.7%
691
Black 24.8%
577
Brown 20.3%
473
Silver 14.6%
340
Blue 9.3%
217
Grey 0.9%
21
Purple 0.5%
11

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Yamaha Xc vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

8,150
typical
4,276
low mileage
15,506
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Yamaha Xc vehicles fall between 4,276 and 15,506 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 4,276 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
4,276–15,506 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Yamaha Xcs sit.
Over 20,933 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Yamaha Xc — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 61% of 2016 Yamaha Xcs are still active.

163 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 61% of the peak remain.

269 163 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.94
Avg failures per vehicle
2.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Xc: All Xc years → Which year to buy? →
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Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Yamaha Xc stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing