The UK MOT Test Results Index

The UK areas and car models with the best and worst MOT pass rates

Your MOT test result can reveal a lot about your vehicle’s reliability and ensure it is safe to drive. Regular servicing, garage visits, and maintenance often help your car remain fit for the road, although having a reliable vehicle model can also help.

Analysing MOT data from across the UK, we’ve uncovered which models are most and least likely to pass, where drivers face the highest failure rates, and which common faults, like tyres and electrical issues, are keeping vehicles off the road.

MOT failure rates reveal a steady improvement

The proportion of MOT failures in the UK has mostly declined over the last four years.

The highest rate of failed MOT tests was in 2020, when 2.54% of all tests resulted in failure. This figure steadily decreased until 2023, reaching its lowest rate at 1.73%. Last year, the rate of MOT failures increased slightly, by 0.12% compared to the previous year.

This fluctuation can be attributed to increased public awareness of MOT requirements, more drivers performing pre-test checks, and more thorough garage servicing.

The recent slight increase could signal that routine maintenance may be slipping, especially as the cost-of-living crisis pressures household budgets. However, delaying repairs or skipping regular servicing is a false economy, since faults that go unchecked can worsen, leading to higher costs or even serious safety risks.

The Suzuki Ignis is the most likely model to pass an MOT test

When it comes to MOT success, the Suzuki Ignis is at the top of the list with an almost perfect 94.64% pass rate last year. The subcompact SUV is loved for its small size, reliability, and spacious interior, beating its main rival, the Toyota Aygo X. Of the 4,254 MOT tests on Suzuki Ignis in 2024, 4,026 passed. 

New drivers looking for a reliable vehicle might consider purchasing a Suzuki Ignis, for its stellar MOT pass rate.

Perfect for those seeking a reliable SUV, the Lexus UX follows closely behind. A luxury hybrid and the second SUV in the top three, this vehicle backs up its high-end appearance with a 94.20% MOT pass rate in 2024. There were 5,583 MOT tests carried out on Lexus UX vehicles, and 5,259 tests were passed.

3. Porsche Macan - 93.41% of MOT tests passed on average

The third SUV in the top three is the Porsche Macan, a vehicle that combines performance with reliability, making it ideal for new drivers. In the last 12 months, it achieved a 93.41% pass rate, with around 3,453 tests passing out of 3,697 tests carried out. 

While the standard model is the most popular, all five Porsche Macan S and the single Porsche Macan GTS that were MOT tested last year passed.

The Citroën Dispatch is the least likely model to pass an MOT test

1. Citroën Dispatch - 37.78% of MOT tests failed on average

Citroën Dispatch owners will be disappointed to hear that the model is the least likely to pass an MOT test, with almost two-fifths (37.78%) of vehicles failing in 2024. This versatile car is often used for professional purposes, which might see the model rack up more miles than the average vehicle. There were 4,288 Citroën Dispatches MOT tested last year, with 2,668 passing. 

The standard model had a 54.9% pass rate, while the Citroën DISPATCH 1400 DRIVER BHDI S/S performed best out of all models with at least 50 vehicles tested.

2. Vauxhall Combo - 35.87% of MOT tests failed on average

The Vauxhall Combo is the second van in our top three, with a failure rate of over a third (35.87%). This compact commercial van with a payload of up to 1,000kg is also often used as a work vehicle to travel long distances with heavy loads.

This use will likely cause wear on key components such as suspension, brakes, and tyres, which are common MOT failure points.

3. Citroën Berlingo - 35.76% of MOT tests failed on average

Rounding out the top three is another van, the Citroën Berlingo. This model had a 35.76% MOT failure rate, with 16,589 tests in 2024 and 10,656 passes. 

The best-performing model with over 50 vehicles tested was the Citroën BERLINGO 950 Driver Pro BHDI SS A with an 82.5% pass rate, while the generic model had a pass rate of 65.20%.

Aberdeen has the most MOT test failures in the UK

1. Aberdeen - 3.91% of MOT tests failed

MOT success might be harder for drivers in Aberdeen to secure. Of all the MOT tests in the city in the last four years, 3.91% failed, making it the UK’s top fail hotspot. 

The biggest year for MOT test fails in Aberdeen was 2021, when 4.54% of all MOT tests failed. The fail rate in the city has been mostly declining since then, and in 2024 it was 3.32%. In the most recent year, the road environment contributed to 12% of all road collisions in the area, indicating the need for investment and development.

2. Dundee - 3.88% of MOT tests failed

Dundee follows closely with 3.88% of MOTs between 2020 and 2024 failing, suggesting Scottish roads may be taking a toll on vehicles. Test failures were at their highest rate in 2020 at 4.74%, while more recently in 2024 the rate was 3.43%, up slightly from 2023’s rate of 3.30%.

3. Falkirk - 3.54% of MOT tests failed

Falkirk completes the top three with a failure rate of 3.54%, as another Scottish area where passing your MOT might be more difficult than in the rest of the UK. 

Falkirk follows a similar pattern to the other Scottish locations in our top three, with MOT failures at their highest in 2020 at 5.57%. The best year for MOT tests was 2021, when just 2.90% of tests failed. The road environment contributed to almost a fifth (19%) of collisions in the most recent year.

Llandrindod Wells has the most MOT test passes in the UK

1. Llandrindod Wells - 99.09% of MOT tests passed

Llandrindod Wells boasts a nearly perfect 99.09% pass rate as the best place in the UK for MOT test passes. Drivers in this Welsh town had 52,958 tests in the last four years, with only 481 failures. 

While 11% of collisions in the most recent year in Powys, the local authority that Llandrindod Wells is in, were due to road conditions, none were due to a poor or defective road surface.

2. East Central London - 98.98% of MOT tests passed

Despite London’s congestion, East Central London performs well in MOT tests. Between 2020 and 2024, 98.98% of MOTs passed. Around 1,575 tests were carried out, with just 16 failures. 

East Central London includes areas such as Islington, where just 5% of B and C roads require maintenance, and Westminster, where 4% of motorways and A roads need repair.

3. Dorchester - 98.90% of MOT tests passed

Dorchester rounds out the top three UK locations for MOT success with a 98.90% pass rate. There were 184,622 tests in the last four years, with just 2,029 failures.

Electrical equipment is the most common reason for MOT test failures

Electrical equipment is the leading cause of MOT test failures in Britain, with over one in 10 (11%) tests of category three and four vehicles (cars and light vans up to 3,000kg) recording a major or dangerous defect related to lamps, reflectors, or other electrical components in the 2024-25 financial year so far.

To reduce the risk of failing and MOT, drivers should regularly check that all lights are working correctly and replace any blown bulbs immediately. It’s also wise to clean lenses to keep them clear and debris-free.

Suspension issues are the second most common, flagged in 8.91% of failed tests, followed by tyre-related defects at 6.75%. Drivers can avoid suspension problems by listening for unusual noises while driving, especially over bumps, and having any knocking or pulling checked out early by a mechanic. Tyres should be inspected for wear, pressure and damage at least once a month before long journeys.

Problems with visibility, which could include faulty wipers or washers, account for 4.60% of major failures, while bodywork and structural issues contribute to 3.48% of recorded defects.

Maintaining visibility is as simple as topping up screenwash, replacing worn wiper blades, and keeping your vehicle’s windows and mirrors clean. For bodywork, look out for corrosion or loose panels, especially around wheel arches and sills, and deal with minor damage before it worsens and causes deeper issues.

These figures highlight the importance of regular maintenance, especially for systems most vulnerable to wear and tear with repeated use. Carrying out basic pre-drive checks and booking in for regular garage services can prevent minor issues from becoming serious MOT failures or further affecting your safety.

Top 5 checks to carry out before driving a car

Nyo Logan, Tyre Content Manager at Blackcircles, comments,

“Every year, thousands of MOT failures and road accidents are linked to issues that could have been easily prevented with basic checks. Unsafe cars can cause serious harm to you, your passengers, and others on the road. Regular maintenance, routine checks, and checks to prepare your car for an MOT are crucial to staying safe and legal.”

Before you set off for a journey, carrying out an MOT checklist can significantly affect your safety and help you avoid unnecessary damage or breakdowns. These are the top five things every driver should check:

1. Tyres

Look closely for visible damage, ensure tyres are properly inflated, and check your tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Uneven wear could mean there is an issue with the alignment or suspension. 

Driving on damaged or worn tyres significantly increases the risk of blowouts and reduced grip, especially in wet or icy conditions, which could impact your safety. Regularly checking the pressure can extend tyre life and improve fuel efficiency.

2. Lights

Test your vehicle’s exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazards, to ensure they work correctly. Faulty lamps are a top reason for MOT failures. 

Your vehicle lighting not working correctly risks an MOT fail, but equally importantly, makes you harder for other motorists to see, particularly at night or in poor weather. A quick light check before setting off can help prevent accidents caused by reduced visibility to other drivers.

3. Fluid levels

Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer liquid. Low or dirty fluids can damage the engine or compromise visibility and braking performance. Neglecting fluid checks can lead to breakdowns, overheating, or even permanent engine damage. 

You can even fail your MOT for having no screen wash, or if you have too little fuel, the test will not go ahead. Top these levels up regularly and watch for signs of leaks under the car or dashboard warning lights that could indicate a more serious issue.

4. Brakes

Before moving off, press the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm. If it feels spongy or slack, there could be air in the system or a brake fluid issue. Faulty brakes drastically reduce your vehicle’s stopping power, increasing your risk of collisions. If you notice any grinding, squeaking, or change in responsiveness, have them inspected by a professional immediately.

5. Visibility

Make sure your windscreens and mirrors are clean and clear, and your wipers are in working condition. Replace any broken blades immediately to maintain safe visibility, especially in wet weather. 

Driving with poor visibility endangers everyone on the road. Dirt, smears, or streaks can distort your view, while faulty demisters or worn wipers can affect your ability to see your surroundings in heavy rain. Keeping all glass surfaces clean and clear is an easy but vital habit.

Methodology

The most common reasons for MOT test failures were sourced using the DVSA MOT testing data for Great Britain, looking at class 3 and 4 vehicles, including cars and light vans up to 3,000kg, using the 2024-25 average Q1 to Q3.

Freedom of Information Act request was used source percentage of MOTs that passed and failed by UK town/ city between 2020 and 2024.

Suzuki Ignis reviews were sourced using What Car.

Collision rates were sourced using the Department for Transport: Road safety statistics, using the most recent available data (2023)

Roads requiring maintenance were sourced using Gov.uk Local Authority Data Explorer using the most recent available data (2023-24).