MOT Failure Rates by Make and Model UK 2026 — What the Data Shows

<p>Not all cars are created equal when it comes to MOT day. DVSA data consistently shows significant variation in first-time pass rates across makes and models — and for independent garages, understanding these patterns can meaningfully improve both customer advisory conversations and workshop revenue.</p><h2>The Most Common Failure Categories</h2><ul><li><strong>Lighting and signalling</strong> — the single most common failure category, accounting for around 18% of all failures.</li><li><strong>Brakes</strong> — particularly brake efficiency on older vehicles. A significant revenue opportunity for garages who identify and quote for brake work at the time of testing.</li><li><strong>Suspension</strong> — increasingly common on higher-mileage vehicles. Shock absorbers, ball joints, and track rod ends are frequent culprits.</li><li><strong>Tyres</strong> — tread depth failures remain consistent year-on-year.</li></ul><h2>The Retention Angle</h2><p>Customers whose advisories are followed up within 30 days of their MOT are significantly more likely to return to the same garage for that repair work — and for their next MOT.</p><p style='background:#f5f5f5; padding:16px; border-left:4px solid #1a1a2e; border-radius:4px;'><strong>RecallIQ</strong> helps independent garages track MOT history, automate advisory follow-ups, and measure retention performance. <a href='https://recalliq.online'>Try it free →</a></p>