MOT Checks
Most Common MOT Failures UK: Reasons Cars Fail And How To Avoid Problems
13 min read
|
CarVerified Team
Learn the most common MOT failures in the UK, what they mean for used car buyers, how to check MOT history and how previous failures can reveal vehicle maintenance issues.
An MOT test is an important check that confirms whether a vehicle meets required safety and environmental standards in the UK.
For used car buyers, MOT history provides valuable information about how a vehicle has been maintained over time.
A vehicle that repeatedly fails MOT tests may indicate:
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Poor maintenance
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Neglected repairs
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Future repair costs
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Ongoing mechanical problems
Checking MOT history before buying a used car can help buyers understand the condition of a vehicle before making a purchase.
What Is An MOT Test?
An MOT test checks whether a vehicle meets the minimum legal safety and environmental requirements.
The test examines important areas including:
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Brakes
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Tyres
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Lights
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Suspension
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Steering
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Body condition
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Emissions
A vehicle must pass its MOT test to legally drive on UK roads when required.
Why Does MOT History Matter When Buying A Car?
Many buyers only check whether a vehicle currently has a valid MOT.
However, previous MOT history can reveal much more information.
A history check can show:
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Previous MOT passes
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MOT failures
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Advisory notices
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Mileage recorded at tests
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Repair patterns
This helps buyers understand how a vehicle has been maintained.
Most Common MOT Failures UK
Vehicles can fail MOT tests for many reasons.
The most common issues include:
1. Brake Problems
Brake issues are one of the most common reasons vehicles fail MOT tests.
Problems may include:
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Worn brake pads
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Damaged brake discs
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Brake imbalance
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Faulty brake components
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Low brake performance
Poor brakes are a serious safety concern and should always be repaired quickly.
2. Tyre Problems
Tyres are regularly checked during an MOT.
Common failures include:
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Insufficient tread depth
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Damaged tyres
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Incorrect tyre pressure
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Exposed cords
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Incorrect tyre sizes
Tyre condition can also provide clues about how well a vehicle has been maintained.
3. Lighting Problems
Lighting issues are another common MOT failure.
Checks include:
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Headlights
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Brake lights
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Indicators
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Fog lights
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Number plate lights
Simple bulb replacements can fix some issues, but electrical faults may require further investigation.
4. Suspension Problems
Suspension components are checked for safety and performance.
Common faults include:
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Worn shock absorbers
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Damaged springs
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Loose suspension components
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Excessive movement
Suspension problems can affect handling and comfort.
5. Steering Faults
Steering components must operate correctly.
Common MOT failures include:
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Excessive steering play
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Damaged steering parts
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Faulty steering components
Steering issues can affect vehicle control and safety.
6. Corrosion And Rust
Rust can cause MOT failures, especially on older vehicles.
Areas checked include:
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Chassis
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Structural areas
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Brake pipes
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Vehicle body sections
Severe corrosion can become expensive to repair.
7. Emissions Problems
Vehicles must meet emissions requirements during MOT testing.
Common causes of failure include:
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Faulty exhaust systems
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Engine problems
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Emission control issues
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Warning lights
Emission failures may indicate expensive repairs.
8. Windscreen And Visibility Issues
MOT tests check driver visibility.
Failures can happen because of:
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Cracked windscreens
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Damaged wipers
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Faulty washers
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Poor visibility
These problems are often easy to identify before purchase.
MOT Advisories: What Do They Mean?
An advisory is not an MOT failure.
However, advisories highlight issues that may need attention in the future.
Examples include:
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Brake wear
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Tyre wear
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Suspension wear
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Corrosion beginning
A vehicle with repeated advisories for the same issue may require further investigation.
Repeated MOT Failures: What Should Buyers Look For?
A single MOT failure does not automatically mean a vehicle is bad.
Many vehicles fail due to normal wear items.
However, buyers should pay attention to patterns.
Look for:
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The same failure appearing repeatedly
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Long gaps between repairs
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Increasing repair costs
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Multiple safety-related failures
Repeated problems may indicate poor maintenance.
How To Check MOT History Before Buying
Before purchasing a used car:
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Check Previous MOT Results
Review:
•
Pass and fail records
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Failure reasons
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Advisory notices
Check Mileage Records
Compare MOT mileage over time.
Look for:
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Consistent increases
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Unusual drops
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Missing records
Compare With Vehicle Condition
The MOT history should match the vehicle’s current condition.
For example:
A car showing heavy previous advisories should be inspected carefully.
MOT History And Used Car Buying
MOT history can help answer important questions:
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Has the vehicle been maintained?
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Were problems repaired quickly?
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Does mileage appear consistent?
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Are there ongoing issues?
It should be combined with other checks such as:
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Finance checks
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Write off checks
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Mileage checks
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Vehicle history reports
How CarVerified Helps With MOT Checks
CarVerified helps UK drivers check vehicle information before buying.
Using a registration number, users can:
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Check vehicle details
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Review MOT information
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Access available history information
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View important vehicle records
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Save vehicles in Garage
This helps buyers understand a vehicle’s background before purchase.
Save Vehicles In CarVerified Garage
When comparing used cars, users can save vehicle information.
CarVerified Garage allows users to manage:
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Vehicle registrations
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Vehicle details
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Previous checks
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MOT reminders
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Tax reminders
This makes vehicle ownership easier.
Common Mistakes When Checking MOT History
Avoid these mistakes:
Only Checking The Current MOT
A valid MOT does not guarantee a problem-free vehicle.
Ignoring Previous Failures
Previous failures can reveal maintenance patterns.
Ignoring Advisories
Advisories may highlight future repair costs.
Buying Without Vehicle Checks
Always review vehicle history before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common MOT Failures UK?
Common MOT failures include brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, corrosion and emissions problems.
Can MOT History Show Previous Problems?
Yes. MOT history can show previous failures and advisories.
Is A Failed MOT A Bad Sign?
Not always. Some failures are caused by normal wear items, but repeated failures should be investigated.
How Can I Check MOT History?
You can check MOT information using the vehicle registration number.
Should I Check MOT History Before Buying A Used Car?
Yes. MOT history helps buyers understand vehicle condition and maintenance history.
Does CarVerified Show MOT Information?
Yes. CarVerified helps users check vehicle information and available MOT details.
Conclusion
MOT history is one of the most useful tools when buying a used car in the UK.
A vehicle’s previous MOT failures and advisories can reveal important information about maintenance, repairs and possible future costs.
Before purchasing a vehicle, always review:
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MOT history
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Mileage records
•
Vehicle history
•
Repair information
CarVerified helps UK drivers check vehicles, save cars in Garage and make smarter used car decisions.
A safer car purchase starts with understanding the vehicle’s history.

Free tools for this guide

MOT Expiry Checker
Check when a car's MOT runs out and when you can book it.
Use the free tool →
MOT Cost Calculator
Budget for the MOT fee, retests and likely repairs.
Use the free tool →
Used Car Checklist
A tick-off checklist for buying from a dealer or private seller - petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV.
Use the free tool →
See all car tools →
Keep it MOT-ready
Bulbs, wipers, brakes and tyres are among the most common MOT failures - and the cheapest to sort before the test.
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Related Guides
Table of Contents
1.
What Is An MOT Test?
2.
Why Does MOT History Matter When Buying A Car?
3.
Most Common MOT Failures UK
4.
1. Brake Problems
5.
2. Tyre Problems
6.
3. Lighting Problems
7.
4. Suspension Problems
8.
5. Steering Faults
9.
6. Corrosion And Rust
10.
7. Emissions Problems
11.
8. Windscreen And Visibility Issues
12.
MOT Advisories: What Do They Mean?
13.
Repeated MOT Failures: What Should Buyers Look For?
14.
How To Check MOT History Before Buying
15.
MOT History And Used Car Buying
16.
How CarVerified Helps With MOT Checks
17.
Save Vehicles In CarVerified Garage
18.
Common Mistakes When Checking MOT History
19.
Frequently Asked Questions
20.
Conclusion
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