MOT defects
Other advisories and older defect codes: 10 MOT defect wordings
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 130,233,413 MOT tests · Updated
10 other advisories and older defect codes defect wordings were recorded 5,071,121 times in 130,233,413 MOT tests from 2022 to 2025 [1].
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All other advisories and older defect codes wordings
| Wording | Recorded as | Per 100 MOT tests |
|---|---|---|
| Nail in tyre | advisory | 1.85 |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | advisory | 1.37 |
| Coolant leak | advisory | 0.24 |
| Fuel Pipe/s corroded | advisory | 0.19 |
| Non obligatory mirror damaged | advisory | 0.089 |
| Gearbox mounting defective | advisory | 0.074 |
| Spare tyre defective | advisory | 0.060 |
| Wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch | advisory | 0.012 |
| Standard fitment seat belt missing | advisory | 0.004 |
| Mudguard insecure | advisory | 0.004 |
Was it on the record of the car you are looking at?
These figures are for every car tested. One car's MOT history, by registration, lists each advisory and fail item its testers recorded, and when.
- Check any car's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other sections
- Identification of the vehicle MOT defects8
- Brakes MOT defects183
- Steering MOT defects77
- Visibility MOT defects39
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment MOT defects206
- Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension MOT defects259
- Body, structure and attachments MOT defects158
- Other equipment MOT defects30
- Nuisance: noise, emissions and leaks MOT defects56
Questions people ask
Which other advisories and older defect codes defect do testers record most?
1.85 in 100 MOT tests record “Nail in tyre”, the most recorded wording in this section (130,233,413 MOT tests).
How many other advisories and older defect codes wordings are fails?
0 of the 10 wordings here are fails (major or dangerous defects); the others are advisories and minor defects, which pass.
Buying Report £14.99 incl. VAT · one car · no subscription · Not a mechanical inspection.
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 130,233,413 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Rates are per 100 MOT tests of class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans) at each age. Model comparisons are against all class 4 vehicles of the same ages and fuel, pooled over 2022 to 2025 tests: they are not matched on test year or on mileage. Advisory figures count pairs of consecutive MOT tests of the same vehicle: "next MOT" means its next test 300 to 500 days (about 10 to 16 months) later, and the no-advisory comparison is standardised to the advised vehicles' age bands. Repairs between MOTs and breakdowns are not in this data. How we compare