Common MOT Failures

The top reasons vehicles fail their MOT, with advice on how to fix each issue.

Tyres

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to tyres.

236.9%24,445,835 failures

Brakes

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to brakes.

231.6%23,902,899 failures

Suspension

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to suspension.

225.2%23,234,155 failures

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment.

114.8%11,845,173 failures

Body, chassis, structure

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to body, chassis, structure.

53.3%5,505,035 failures

Noise, emissions and leaks

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to noise, emissions and leaks.

47.5%4,904,015 failures

Visibility

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to visibility.

45.6%4,702,197 failures

Non-component advisories

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to non-component advisories.

36.3%3,746,884 failures

Steering

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to steering.

25.0%2,582,684 failures

Drivers view of the road

major

Windscreen damage, wiper condition, mirror damage, and any obstructions to the driver's view.

5.6%2,400,000 failures

Issues with exhaust, fuel and emissions

major

Exhaust system integrity, catalytic converter, emissions levels. Diesel particulate filters (DPF) also checked.

4.9%2,100,000 failures

Body, structure and general items

minor

Corrosion, sharp edges, security of body panels, boot lid, bonnet catch, registration plates.

4.2%1,800,000 failures

Identification of the vehicle

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to identification of the vehicle.

15.6%1,614,658 failures

Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems.

9.1%938,233 failures

Noise, vibration and harshness

minor

Excessive noise from exhaust, engine, drivetrain, or wheel bearings during the test.

2.1%900,000 failures

Road Wheels

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to road wheels.

7.7%798,029 failures

Unknown (A)

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to unknown (a).

5.8%597,697 failures

Unknown (F)

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to unknown (f).

2.2%231,660 failures

Unknown (P)

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to unknown (p).

0.8%85,665 failures

Unknown (M)

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to unknown (m).

0.2%25,445 failures

Buses and coaches supplementary tests

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to buses and coaches supplementary tests.

0.0%3,704 failures

Speedometer and speed limiter

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to speedometer and speed limiter.

0.0%3,482 failures

Seat belt installation check

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to seat belt installation check.

0.0%2,255 failures

Unknown (rfr_type_code)

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to unknown (rfr_type_code).

0.0%180 failures

Items Not Tested

major

This failure category covers issues found during the MOT test related to items not tested.

0.0%127 failures