While lamps, reflectors and indicators continue to be the most frequent reasons that vehicles fail their MOTs, it’s problems with brakes and tyres that are more likely to lead to the most serious failures, analysis reveals.
DVSA data, analysed by the RAC, shows that non-working headlights, indicators and reflectors accounted for just over a quarter (25.5%) of all MOT failures in the 12 months to March 2022.
Faulty or broken suspensions represented just under a fifth (18.3%) of all failures, while problems with brakes (17%) and tyres (12%) were the third and fourth biggest reasons.
In total, a third of all initial MOT tests of cars, vans and small passenger vehicles taken during that period resulted in a failure.
Some 8% – the equivalent to 2.4m vehicles – were found to have at least one dangerous defect.
In these most serious cases, where an examiner states a vehicle cannot be driven until that defect is repaired, brakes and tyres represented 88% of failures.
The RAC says this emphasises ‘just how critical it is for drivers to carry out routine checks on these items’.
Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, said: “Many drivers dread taking their vehicle for its annual MOT for fear they could end up having to spend lots of money on repairs in order to get it to pass.
“This is no doubt the case for an unlucky third of owners whose vehicles fail their MOTs initially.
“Drivers should never ignore dashboard warning lights as they could end up putting themselves or others at risk and costing themselves a lot of money with a bigger repair bill than necessary had they acted straightaway.
“Additionally, routine servicing helps reduce the chance of a vehicle failing its MOT as it includes a host of important basic checks.”
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