Why cars fail their MOT

We analysed newly released MOT data and quickly learnt that more than 1 in 4 cars (28.6%) failed their MOT at the first attempt. On average, each failed car had more than 2 defects, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance.

The Most Common Reasons for MOT Failure

• 25% of all recorded failures related to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
• 20% were the result of suspension issues
• 16% were related to braking issues
• 12% related to tyres

Safety-Critical Concerns

Whilst lights and suspension were the most frequent causes of failure, they were rarely classified as dangerous. Instead, it's your tyres and brakes that stand out as the biggest safety risk. 

• Tyres accounted for nearly 60% of all dangerous defects, with nearly 5% of all vehicles tested failing on tyre safety alone.
• Brakes contributed to almost 30% of dangerous defects, making them the second most serious concern.

In contrast, visibility issues such as windscreens, wipers, and mirrors were common (8% of defects) but rarely considered dangerous.

What This Means for Drivers

The data underlines a clear message: regular checks on tyres and brakes are vital for road safety, while staying on top of simple maintenance tasks like replacing bulbs could dramatically reduce MOT failures.

With over a quarter of vehicles failing their MOTs, motorists can save time, money, and hassle by addressing these common issues before the test.

If your car has failed its MOT, maybe you need a part remanufacturing? Browse our full range of repairs now!