The average age of cars on UK roads is increasing, with many vehicles now over 10 years old. As a result, MOT failures are becoming a valuable indicator of the condition of the nation’s ageing car fleet. By examining these failure trends, we can better understand the safety issues, maintenance habits, and environmental impact associated with older vehicles. Here’s what MOT failures really reveal about the cars we continue to drive.

The UK’s Cars Are Getting Older

According to industry reports, the average age of vehicles in the UK is now at its highest level in decades. Rising car prices, economic uncertainty, and improved vehicle reliability mean drivers are holding onto their cars longer than before. However, older cars are also more likely to fail MOT tests due to natural wear and tear.

Common MOT Failure Points in Older Cars

1. Tyres and Brakes

Worn tyres and braking issues are among the most common MOT failures. Older vehicles often suffer from uneven tyre wear, fading brake performance, or corroded brake components.

2. Suspension Problems

Suspension failures rise sharply in cars over 10 years old. Ageing springs, shock absorbers, and bushings contribute to dangerous handling and MOT failures.

3. Lighting and Electrical Faults

Lights are one of the easiest things to fix yet remain a top failure reason. Ageing wiring, corroded connectors, and broken bulbs are frequently recorded on MOT fail sheets.

4. Exhaust Emissions

As vehicles age, engines become less efficient and more polluting. Emissions-related failures highlight both mechanical decline and environmental concerns.

What These Failures Tell Us

Safety Risks Are Increasing

More cars are failing MOTs due to safety-critical faults, meaning that many vehicles would be dangerous to drive without mandatory testing. This reinforces how crucial yearly MOTs are for public safety.

Maintenance Neglect Plays a Role

Many failures result from issues that could be prevented with regular maintenance. This suggests UK drivers may be skipping servicing to save money—only to face larger repair bills later.

Environmental Impact Is Growing

Older vehicles emit more pollutants, particularly when poorly maintained. Rising emissions failures show that ageing cars are contributing to air pollution across towns and cities.

How to Check MOT History

Before buying a used car—or to track your own vehicle’s condition—you can review its full MOT history at CheckMot.com (https://checkmot.com/). This reveals:

• Previous failures
• Advisory warnings
• Mileage records
• Long-term mechanical patterns

This information helps buyers avoid risky vehicles and owners plan repairs proactively.

The Future: Will Older Cars Stay on the Road?

With economic pressure and the push toward electric vehicles, the UK’s ageing fleet is unlikely to shrink quickly. MOT checks will remain an essential safeguard to ensure roadworthiness and keep unsafe vehicles off the road.

FAQs

Do older cars fail MOTs more often?

Yes. Failure rates increase significantly for cars over 10 years old.

What is the most common MOT failure?

Lighting faults are the most frequent, followed by tyres and brakes.

Can I check a car’s past MOT failures?

Yes, you can instantly check MOT history for free using CheckMot.com.

Are older cars worse for the environment?

Yes. They produce more emissions and are more likely to fail emissions tests.