MOT failure rate and common problems for the Classic Custom Softail, and how to check your own car by registration.
Updated 05 September 2026.
Classic Custom Softail MOT failure rate
What a Classic Custom Softail fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.
What it fails on, and why
Lighting is the single most common MOT failure and the cheapest to put right. A blown headlight, brake-light or number-plate bulb, a cracked lens, or a headlamp beam that points too high or low will all fail. Most are a two-minute bulb swap.
A missing, damaged, dirty or incorrectly-spaced number plate, or one using the wrong font, will fail. A replacement plate is inexpensive.
Brake failures cover worn pads and discs, an imbalance between wheels, corroded or scored discs, or a binding caliper. Braking efficiency is measured on a rolling road, so a spongy or pulling brake shows up as a low reading.
This covers a range of smaller items, from a non-working horn to a warning light left on.
Exhaust failures cover leaks, insecure mountings and emissions over the limit. A blowing exhaust, a failed lambda reading or a diesel that smokes beyond the limit will fail.
The parts that fix each
If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.
Other models
Questions and answers
What is the MOT failure rate of the Classic Custom Softail?
It fails 11.4% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 79 tests.
What do these cars fail their MOT on most?
The most common failure area is lamps & electrical, at 22.2% of this model's failures.