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The most common MOT failure reasons

The reasons cars fail most, in the DVSA's own words.

Major or Dangerous defect: the vehicle fails. Minor defects and advisories pass.

Can it be driven away? Only if its current MOT is still valid and no dangerous problem was listed, and it must still be roadworthy. GOV.UK rule

How often each one fails an MOT

Tyre tread below the legal limit1 in 40
Wiper does not clear the windscreen1 in 43
Coil spring fractured or broken1 in 43
Position lamp not working1 in 43
Stop lamp (brake light) not working1 in 48
Brake pads less than 1.5mm thick1 in 54
Headlamp not working on dipped beam1 in 67
Windscreen washer gives too little liquid1 in 72
Drive shaft CV boot split1 in 74
Suspension ball joint excessively worn1 in 76
Headlamp aim too low1 in 77
Parking brake efficiency too low1 in 77
Tyre has ply or cords exposed1 in 80
Number plate lamp not working1 in 80
Tyre cut deep enough to reach the ply1 in 84
Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn1 in 87
Track rod end has excessive play1 in 96
Engine warning light on or not working1 in 107
Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak1 in 119
Brake excessively binding1 in 119
Brake pipe excessively corroded1 in 122
Exhaust has a major leak1 in 128
Anti-roll bar link excessively worn1 in 148
Suspension mounting area badly corroded1 in 179
Brake disc significantly worn1 in 187
Direction indicator wrong colour1 in 206
Brake excessively fluctuating1 in 337
Brake disc seriously weakened1 in 367
Wheel bearing has excessive play1 in 546

286 million MOTs, May 2018 to October 2026. Each links to its own page.

Counted from DVSA records of 286,058,652 MOTs, 20 May 2018 to 18 October 2026. A test and its retests count as one MOT. About other vehicles, not a prediction for yours: for what to do, ask a garage. Spotted a mistake? Email fuzzyreguk@gmail.com.

Check a car's MOT history

Every test, fail and advisory, free, from the whole registration.