DVSA MOT figures revealed the areas with the highest rate of MOT failures. Picture: Canva

Highest MOT failure rates UK: Salisbury among worst performing cities, study reveals

Jamie JonesSeptember 11, 20260 Comment0

SALISBURY is among UK postcodes with the highest rate of MOT failures, according to new data.

Research by online tyre retailer, Blackcircles.com, analysed official DVSA MOT figures to reveal the areas with the highest rate of failures during the annual check, required on all vehicles over three years old to ensure they are roadworthy.

And Salisbury ranked number nine, with more than a fifth of all tests ending in a failure.

The data showed that out of just over 200,000 tests in the Salisbury area, a whopping 45,807 ended in disappointment for the vehicle owner – a 22.9% failure rate.

It put the city ninth in the list, which was topped by Kirkaldy, in Scotland, with a failure rate of 25.7%, followed by Dundee (25%) and Truro (24.4%).

DVSA MOT figures revealed the areas with the highest rate of MOT failures. Picture: Blackcircles.com

Most common reasons for MOT failure in the UK

The most often cited reasons for failure were lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, mentioned in 10.9% of test results.

Suspension and brakes were the second and third most common reasons for failure, featuring in 8.7% and 6.6% of failed tests, respectively, while tyres caused failure in 6.4% of failed tests.

James Harding, a tyre specialist at Blackcircles.com, said: “MOT failures aren’t just costly and inconvenient; they can show a car to be unsafe. You must book your car in for an MOT yearly and ensure it’s prepared for testing.

“MOT test centres can legally refuse to test your car under official DVSA guidelines. If specific safety, cleanliness or administrative conditions are not met, you are at risk of being turned away or automatically failed.

“Before arriving at your MOT appointment, it is important to check that your car is clean and accessible. It is also a good idea to check lights, tyres, fluid and oil levels as well as your dashboard for any warning lights. Sorting any issues that appear ahead of an MOT appointment can help your car to pass.”