What does MOT failure mean?
MOT failure means a car did not meet the required safety and emissions standards during an MOT test. The vehicle failed the test due to one or more defects that must be repaired before the vehicle can legally be driven on UK roads. MOT failures are recorded in official databases and remain part of the vehicle's MOT history.
Why MOT failure matters to buyers
Repair costs
MOT failures indicate defects that require repair before the vehicle can be legally driven. These repairs can be costly, and understanding failure history helps you assess potential repair costs and the vehicle's overall condition.
Vehicle condition
MOT failures provide insight into the vehicle's condition and maintenance history. Multiple failures or recurring failures may indicate the vehicle hasn't been well maintained or has underlying issues that need attention.
Safety concerns
MOT failures indicate safety or emissions issues that prevented the vehicle from passing the test. While failures may have been repaired, they indicate the vehicle has had safety or emissions problems that should be considered.
Negotiation leverage
MOT failure history can be used as negotiation points when purchasing a vehicle. If a vehicle has a history of failures, you may be able to negotiate a lower price to account for potential future issues or repair costs.
What MOT failure indicates
MOT failures occur when a vehicle doesn't meet the required safety and emissions standards during an MOT test. Failures can result from various defects, including brake problems, suspension issues, emissions failures, lighting problems, or other safety-related defects. Issues that don't cause failure but may need attention are recorded as MOT advisories.
When a vehicle fails its MOT test, the defects must be repaired before the vehicle can legally be driven on UK roads. The vehicle must be retested after repairs, and once it passes, it receives a new MOT certificate. Failures are recorded in official databases and remain part of the vehicle's MOT history.
MOT failure history provides valuable information about the vehicle's condition and maintenance. Reviewing failures over time can help identify patterns or recurring issues that may indicate underlying problems or poor maintenance.
What to check before buying a car with MOT failure history
- Run a vehicle history check to review all MOT failures over time
- Check if failures are recurring, which may indicate underlying issues
- Verify that failures have been properly repaired and the vehicle has since passed MOT tests
- Assess the severity of past failures and potential for future issues
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, paying attention to previously failed items
- Consider the impact of failure history on future maintenance costs
- Use failure history as negotiation points if it indicates significant issues
- Review the complete MOT history to identify patterns or recurring problems
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including complete MOT history with all failures recorded at each test. This helps buyers identify failures, assess their severity, and track whether they have been recurring or properly addressed over time.
Sellers may not always disclose MOT failure history, or may be unaware of its significance. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers understand the vehicle's condition and potential future maintenance needs before purchase.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
- Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
- Keeper changes and number of previous owners
- Registration plate changes and vehicle identity verification
Frequently asked questions
Can a car with MOT failure history be legally driven?
A car can be legally driven if it has a current valid MOT certificate, even if it has failed MOT tests in the past. Past failures must have been repaired and the vehicle must have passed a subsequent MOT test to be legally driven.
Do MOT failures affect value?
MOT failure history can affect value if it indicates significant issues or recurring problems. Multiple failures or failures indicating serious defects may reduce a vehicle's value, as buyers will factor in potential repair costs and maintenance concerns.
How can I check MOT failure history?
You can check MOT failure history by running a vehicle history check that includes MOT history. The check will show all failures recorded at each MOT test, allowing you to review the vehicle's condition over time and identify any recurring issues.
Should I be concerned about MOT failure history?
MOT failure history should be considered when assessing a vehicle's condition. While past failures may have been repaired, they indicate the vehicle has had safety or emissions issues. Recurring failures may indicate underlying problems that warrant caution.
Can MOT failures be fixed?
Yes. MOT failures must be repaired before the vehicle can be legally driven. After repairs, the vehicle must be retested, and once it passes, it receives a new MOT certificate. Failures are recorded in the vehicle's history even after they have been repaired.
What should I do if a car has MOT failure history?
If a car has MOT failure history, review the failures to assess their severity and whether they have been properly addressed. Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, paying attention to previously failed items. Consider the impact on future maintenance costs and use failure history as negotiation points if it indicates significant issues.