Car Problems and MOT Failures by Make
Top 20 vehicle makes by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data — switch between cars and vans below.
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that make's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
How UK MOT fail rates have changed
Percentage of vehicles that failed their MOT, year by year, across all makes.
= peak year (2009, 40.5%). Click any point for year details. Source: DVSA MOT test records, 2006–2024.
At a Glance
UK MOT fail rates peaked at 40.5% in and have dropped 12.2 percentage points to 28.4% in . Click any point on the chart above for year-specific stats.
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Browse Common Car Problems by Make
Select a car make to see MOT failures, advisories and common car problems
Showing top 12 — search to find any of 197 makes.
FORD
75 models · 248 problems
VAUXHALL
63 models · 225 problems
VOLKSWAGEN
54 models · 214 problems
PEUGEOT
49 models · 224 problems
RENAULT
55 models · 196 problems
NISSAN
93 models · 234 problems
CITROEN
48 models · 230 problems
MERCEDES-BENZ
46 models · 206 problems
TOYOTA
87 models · 203 problems
BMW
27 models · 99 problems
FIAT
48 models · 204 problems
AUDI
29 models · 114 problems
Browse Problems by MOT Category
View full analysis →Find which vehicles are most affected by each type of issue — see the 20-year trend for every category.
Most Common MOT Failures in the UK
Every reason vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year's failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.05% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.77% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.27% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.66% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.51% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 4.69% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.41% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.01% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.46% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.35% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.35% |
| 12 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.15% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 3.08% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.76% |
| 15 | Driveshaft fault | 2.63% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.13% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.87% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 1.78% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.76% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.51% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.36% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.15% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.05% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.04% |
| 25 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.03% |
| 26 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.99% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 0.98% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.89% |
| 29 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.87% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.75% |
| 31 | Fog lamp not working | 0.74% |
| 32 | Parking brake condition | 0.60% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.58% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.53% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.52% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.51% |
| 37 | ABS fault | 0.51% |
| 38 | Airbag warning light on | 0.50% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.45% |
| 40 | Chassis condition | 0.45% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.45% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.38% |
| 43 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 44 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.31% |
| 45 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.30% |
| 46 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.28% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.28% |
| 48 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.25% |
| 49 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.25% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.23% |
| 51 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.20% |
| 52 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.18% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.14% |
| 56 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 58 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 61 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 62 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.10% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 67 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 68 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 69 | Steering free play excessive | 0.09% |
| 70 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.09% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 72 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.08% |
| 73 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 74 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 75 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 76 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 77 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 80 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 81 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 82 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 86 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 88 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 95 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 96 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 98 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 99 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 106 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 110 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 113 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 120 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 127 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 137 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 145 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 152 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 153 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 155 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 166 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 172 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 174 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 175 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 178 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 183 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 184 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 191 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 193 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 195 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 197 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 198 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 201 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 204 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 205 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 206 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 207 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 208 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 209 | Footrest damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 210 | Motorcycle forks worn | <0.01% |
| 211 | Motorcycle fork yoke worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 211 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Understanding Common Car Problems
How We Identify Problems
Our data comes directly from the DVSA — the government body that oversees MOT testing in the UK. We analyse millions of MOT test records to identify which cars fail more often than average, and for what reasons.
A “common car problem” on our site means an issue that occurs significantly more often on a specific model compared to the average across all vehicles. This goes beyond normal wear and tear — the data shows a recurring pattern specific to that model.
We also show normal MOT failures and advisory items grouped by mileage, so you know what to expect at each stage of your car's life.
When to Visit a Garage
If your car has a known common problem, it's worth getting it checked early — before it becomes an MOT failure or a safety issue. Many problems are cheaper to fix when caught early.
Use our garage search to find trusted local garages for MOTs, repairs, and servicing. Every garage on our site has verified Google reviews so you can make an informed choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the car problems data come from?
All data comes from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) — the UK government body responsible for MOT testing. We analyse anonymised MOT test records published under the Open Government Licence. This includes every MOT test conducted in the UK, covering pass/fail results, failure reasons, severity ratings, and odometer readings.
What's the difference between a "Common Car Problem" and a "Common MOT Failure"?
A "Common Car Problem" is an issue that occurs significantly more often on a specific model compared to the average across all vehicles — a recurring pattern that the data highlights as specific to that model. A "Common MOT Failure" is a normal wear-and-tear item that commonly causes vehicles to fail their MOT test. Both are useful, but common car problems highlight model-specific patterns worth being aware of.
What are "Common MOT Advisories"?
Advisory items are observations noted by MOT testers during the test — things that are wearing or approaching the failure point, but haven't yet caused the car to fail. For example, "brake pads wearing but above minimum". The car still passes its MOT, but the advisory tells you what may need attention soon.
How often is the data updated?
The DVSA releases bulk anonymised MOT data annually. We import each new release as it becomes available and recalculate all problem scores and classifications. Community-submitted problem reports are added to the database on an ongoing basis after moderation.
Can I report a problem with my car?
Yes! Every car model page has a "Had a problem not listed here?" form where you can report issues you've experienced. Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they're published.
