MOT
What Does a Failed MOT Mean?
A failed MOT means the vehicle did not meet the required test standard at that test. The recorded defects explain why it failed.
1. Read the failure reasons
The most useful part of a failed test is often the recorded defect list. It tells you what the tester identified at that point in time.
2. Check what happened next
Look at later MOT tests to see whether the vehicle subsequently passed. A failure followed by a pass can show that the issue was addressed, but the history alone does not prove the quality of the repair.
3. Look for recurring issues
If similar defects appear repeatedly, they may indicate an ongoing maintenance issue that deserves further investigation.
4. Use failures in context
A failed MOT is not automatically a reason to reject a car. The severity, repair history and later test results matter.
View MOT history
Use Kermo to turn the information in this guide into a practical vehicle or fuel check.
View MOT history