Join the conversation
We love to hear from our customers. Connect with us today and let’s start a conversation.
Dangerous MOT Failures: Body, Structure and Attachments
Part of the Dangerous MOT Failures Explained series.
Your car’s body isn’t just cosmetic - it includes structural and safety-critical elements like doors, chassis, bumpers, and tow bars.
Serious corrosion, insecure parts, or sharp edges can all qualify as dangerous defects under MOT standards.
The MOT manual lists 21 dangerous fail items in this category. These structural issues require urgent repairs before the vehicle can be returned to the road.
Full List of Dangerous MOT Faults: Body, Structure and Attachments
| Vehicle System / Component | MOT Manual Reference | Specific Fault / Issue | Description | MOT Fault Category |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.1. General condition | (a) A main load-bearing structural member | (ii) fractured or deformed such that steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.1. General condition | (b) Strengthening plates or fastenings | (ii) so insecure that structural rigidity is seriously reduced | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.1. General condition | (c) Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that | (ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.1. General condition | (d) A main load-bearing structural member modified or inadequately repaired such that | (ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.2. Exhaust system | (b) Exhaust fumes | (ii) causing a danger to health of persons on board | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.3. Fuel system | (a) Fuel tank, pipe or hose | (ii) insecure such that there is a risk of fire | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.3. Fuel system | (b) Fuel system | (ii) leaking excessively or a risk of fire | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.3. Fuel system | (e) Fire risk due to fuel tank shield or exhaust shield missing where fitted as original equipment | N/A | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.3. Fuel system | (f) Any part of an LPG/CNG/LNG or hydrogen system defective | N/A | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.4. Bumpers | (a) Bumper | (ii) likely to become detached | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.5. Spare wheel carrier (if fitted) | (b) A spare wheel | (ii) likely to become detached | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.6. Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment | (b) A towbar component | (ii) so worn it is likely to fail | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.6. Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment | (c) A towbar attachment | (ii) likely to become detached | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.6. Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment | (g) Unsafe modification | (ii) to towbar primary components | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.6. Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment | (i) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket | (ii) is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.7. Transmission | (a) A transmission shaft | (ii) likely to become detached | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.7. Transmission | (b) A transmission shaft bearing | (ii) likely to break up | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.7. Transmission | (c) A transmission | (ii) so worn it is likely to fail | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.7. Transmission | (d) A transmission shaft flexible coupling | (ii) so deteriorated it is likely to fail | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.7. Transmission | (f) A transmission shaft bearing housing | (ii) likely to fail | Dangerous |
| Body, structure and attachments | 6.1.8. Engine mountings | (a) An engine mounting or bracket | (ii) fractured, missing or excessively loose | Dangerous |
Body, Structure and Attachments – What to Do If You Fail for This Issue
A failure in this area means your vehicle could be physically unsafe or pose a hazard to others. Sharp edges, corrosion, or insecure panels must be repaired before the car is legally drivable.
Your MOT garage may offer to complete the repair work or refer you to a body shop.
Keep the car off the road until the work is signed off and a retest is passed.
Body, Structure and Attachments – Symptoms to Watch For
- Visible rust or corrosion on structural parts
- Loose bumpers, panels or trim
- Doors or bonnet not closing securely
- Towbar feels unstable or damaged
- Sharp or jagged edges around the body
Structural defects often develop slowly. Regular visual checks - especially underneath the car - can help you spot problems before your MOT does.