MOT performance

Brakes: MOT failure rates

6.8% of 65,477,892 MOT tests on cars and light vans in 2023–2024 failed on brakes, 4,443,267 tests in all. Among models with at least 20,000 tests, rates relative to comparable cars range from -82% to +154%.

65,477,892 MOT tests on 34,140,187 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto

Check a specific car's MOT history and running costs

At a glance

Brakes MOT failures at a glance
Figure	Value	Basis
Tests failed on brakes	6.8%	4,443,267 of 65,477,892 tests
Models compared	320	each with ≥ 20,000 tests

Most common items

Most common brakes MOT failure items
Item	Area	Share of tests
Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick	Brakes	1.89%
Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements	Brakes	1.11%

Failure items with their own page

Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick · 1.89% of tests
Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements · 1.11% of tests
Service brake performance: excessively binding · 0.72% of tests
Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded · 0.66% of tests
Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn · 0.60% of tests
Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side · 0.52% of tests
Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault · 0.41% of tests
Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating · 0.31% of tests
Service brake imbalance: across an axle · 0.30% of tests
Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value · 0.28% of tests
Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened · 0.25% of tests
Lever: has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment · 0.20% of tests
Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault · 0.19% of tests
Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements · 0.18% of tests
Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator · 0.17% of tests
Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested · 0.15% of tests
Hand lever: has insufficient reserve travel · 0.13% of tests
Service brake performance: lagging in operation · 0.10% of tests
Rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system · 0.08% of tests
Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded · 0.07% of tests
Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated · 0.07% of tests
Pedal: anti-slip provision missing · 0.06% of tests
Hydraulic brake callipers: leaking · 0.04% of tests
Service brake performance: effort inadequate at a wheel · 0.04% of tests
Pedal: has insufficient reserve travel · 0.04% of tests
Decelerometer (sp): efficiency below requirements · 0.04% of tests
Service brake imbalance: across an axle by more than 50% · 0.04% of tests

Models that fail on it most often

Relative to cars of the same age, mileage and fuel.

Models with the highest brakes MOT failure ratio
Model	Tests	Failed on it	vs similar cars
Skoda Kamiq	24,109	4.5%	+154%
Chevrolet Spark	30,505	17.4%	+141%
MG ZS	71,594	5.2%	+133%
Chevrolet Matiz	22,205	17.9%	+121%
Hyundai ix20	58,240	10.6%	+120%
Kia Picanto	364,285	10.2%	+104%
Kia Carens	30,774	13.7%	+98%
Suzuki Splash	35,745	13.3%	+96%
Hyundai ix35	104,677	13.9%	+91%
Volkswagen T-Cross	38,196	3.4%	+87%

Models that fail on it least often

Models with the lowest brakes MOT failure ratio
Model	Tests	Failed on it	vs similar cars
BMW 640	20,209	1.0%	-82%
BMW M4	24,113	0.8%	-76%
Jaguar F-Type	28,642	0.8%	-73%
Porsche 911	100,223	2.0%	-73%
Porsche Macan	56,741	1.0%	-73%
Bentley Continental	29,070	1.7%	-72%
Audi A7	33,889	1.8%	-70%
Audi A8	23,929	2.6%	-69%
BMW X6	30,776	2.2%	-65%
BMW M3	31,544	3.3%	-64%

Check the car you are looking at

Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.

UK number plate or 17-character VIN

About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.