MOT mayhem: 10 million cars fail new test in first year

A year on from new MOT testing regulations and standards being introduced, breakdown company Green Flag has revealed the results.

10 million MOT failures 2019 UK

A year on from new MOT testing regulations and standards being introduced, breakdown company Green Flag has revealed the results.

Overall, 10 million vehicles (nearly a third) failed the MOT test during the past 12 months. Also, nearly one in 10 failed with a ‘dangerous’ fault: the most serious grade in the new three-tier MOT system, with ‘major’ and ‘minor’ coming below.

Of the 30.5 million MOT tests taken, 10 million cars failed, with 2.8 million of those for ‘dangerous’ faults. 

10 million MOT failures 2019 UK

New MOT rules say that drivers can be fined up to £2,500 if they drive a car without a valid MOT.

“Drivers should be aware of the risks of driving a faulty car,” said Mark Newbery of Green Flag.

“It not only endangers other motorists, but drivers and their passengers alike. Problems with vehicles will only worsen if not seen to, costing more money in the long run.

“We are urging drivers to thoroughly check their cars and repair any problems immediately, to give them the best chance of passing the new MOT tests.”

Where are the UK’s most dangerous cars?

10 million MOT failures 2019 UK

The South West, Wales and Scotland all ranked worse than the average one-in-three failure rate, with 38, 35 and 35 percent respectively.

The East Midlands and the North East are bang on the average, with a 33 percent fail rate. Cars in London and the East of England are the safest. Greater London had a 29 percent fail-rate, while the East had a 31 percent fail-rate.

  • Related Topics
  • MOT
spot_img
Ethan Jupp
Ethan Jupp
I'm Content Editor at MR. Road trips music and movies are my vices. Perennially stuck between French hot hatches and Australian muscle cars.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sleek Vauxhall STX concept proves the estate car isn’t dead yet

On display at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the electric Vauxhall STX estate concept shows the design direction for future Vauxhall wagons

Dramatic Alpine A310 Vision honours a classic French sports car

Unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the Alpine A310 Vision concept demonstrates the possibilities of the marque’s new EV platform

Wild Peugeot E-T16 concept revives a Group B rally car

Revealed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the electric E-T16 concept celebrates Peugeot’s WRC successes with the 205 T16 in the 1980s.

New cheaper petrol Vauxhall Frontera priced from £22,820

An entry-level, petrol-powered version of the Vauxhall Frontera brings a lower starting price for the popular family SUV
spot_img