MOT Failures
An MOT failure means the vehicle did not meet the required standard on the day of the test. Enter a registration to review recorded failures in plain language.
Last reviewed 2 October 2026
What does an MOT failure mean?
A failure is a recorded defect that stops a pass. Dangerous defects indicate an immediate risk; major defects are serious issues that could become dangerous or affect the environment. We only use classifications supported by the underlying MOT data.
Common MOT failure areas
Failures can involve many systems. The areas below are commonly inspected — this is not a ranked national statistics list, and we do not invent failure-rate percentages.
Brakes, lights and tyres
Brake performance, lighting and tyre condition are safety-critical inspection points.
Suspension, steering, visibility and emissions
Worn joints, windscreen damage in the driver’s view, seat belts and emissions limits are also checked.
What happens after an MOT failure?
Repairs and a retest are usually required. Driving rules depend on whether a previous MOT is still valid and whether defects are dangerous — confirm on GOV.UK. See what is an MOT retest.
Failure vs advisory
Failures prevent a pass. Advisories do not. Both appear in MOT history. Compare with MOT advisories.
Frequently asked questions
What does an MOT failure mean?+
The vehicle did not meet the MOT standard. Defects must be fixed before it can pass.
Can I see MOT failures for free?+
Yes. Enter a registration and open the Failures section of the report.
Related tools
Related guides
Sources
Ready to check your MOT?
Enter your registration and see your vehicle information in seconds.