MOT failure rate and common problems for the Standard Van, and how to check your own car by registration.

Updated 05 September 2026.

17.0%fail rate

Standard Van MOT failure rate

What a Standard Van fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.

What it fails on, and why

Brakes55.6% of failures

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.

Lamps & electrical44.4% of failures

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.

Visibility/wipers33.3% of failures

Visibility failures include torn or smearing wiper blades, a washer jet that does not reach the screen, and chips or cracks in the driver's swept area. Blades and washer fluid are quick, cheap fixes.

Suspension33.3% of failures

Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.

Steering22.2% of failures

Steering faults are typically worn track-rod ends or ball joints, play in the rack, or a split gaiter letting grease out and dirt in. Excessive free play at the wheel fails.

Body & structure11.1% of failures

Structural failures are corrosion in load-bearing areas, sharp edges, or insecure panels. These are inspection-and-welding jobs rather than a simple bolt-on part, so weigh them against the value of the car.

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.

For the brakes failure: Standard Van brake pads and discsShop Standard Van brake pads and discs on Amazonaffiliate Find Standard Van brake pads and discs on eBayaffiliate

For the lamps & electrical failure: Standard Van headlight and indicator bulbsShop Standard Van headlight and indicator bulbs on Amazonaffiliate Find Standard Van headlight and indicator bulbs on eBayaffiliate

For the visibility/wipers failure: Standard Van wiper bladesShop Standard Van wiper blades on Amazonaffiliate Find Standard Van wiper blades on eBayaffiliate

For the suspension failure: Standard Van suspension springs and shock absorbersShop Standard Van suspension springs and shock absorbers on Amazonaffiliate Find Standard Van suspension springs and shock absorbers on eBayaffiliate

For the steering failure: Standard Van steering track rod endsShop Standard Van steering track rod ends on Amazonaffiliate Find Standard Van steering track rod ends on eBayaffiliate

Other models

Standard 10 MOT failures19.1% failure rate Standard Vanguard MOT failures15.6% failure rate Standard 8 MOT failures16.0% failure rate Ford Fiesta MOT failures27.1% failure rate

Questions and answers

What is the MOT failure rate of the Standard Van?

It fails 17.0% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 53 tests.

What do these cars fail their MOT on most?

The most common failure area is brakes, at 55.6% of this model's failures.