Vehicle inspection small

Top causes of MOT failures

What are the top 10 MOT failures?

To help give you a clearer idea of why most vehicles fail their MOTs, here’s the top ten list of the UK's most common failures:

Incorrect headlamp aim

976,569
Failures*

Headlights

Poor brake performance

921,534
Failures*

Brakes panel

Broken registration plate lamps

912,246
Failures*

Registration panel

Sidelights not working

880,901
Failures*

Sidelights

Insufficient tyre tread depth

827,876
Failures*

Tyre grip

Worn out windscreen wipers

745,925
Failures*

Wipers

Faulty brake lights

727,409
Failures*

Brake lights

Broken suspension coil springs

694,671
Failures*

Suspension

Headlights not working

621,613
Failures*

Headlights panel

Lack of windscreen washer fluid

509,367
Failures*

Fluid panel

*Honest John 2019

From faulty lights, to low windscreen washer fluid, it’s surprising just how many ways, big and small, a car can fail its MOT.

With this in mind, it’s better to be fully prepared for your MOTs to avoid a future failure.

Now you know the most common causes of MOT failure, check out how you can best prepare for your next MOT by clicking here.