One in five vehicles under 5-years-old fail MOT first time: are drivers becoming complacent?

• HiQ Tyres & Autocare urges motorists to prioritise vehicle checks as research suggests one-in-five newer vehicles fail MOT on first attempt

• Results challenge assumption that newer vehicles are more roadworthy

• Free safety checks offered to help reduce MOT failures and improve road safety

A study conducted by HiQ Tyres & Autocare has revealed a concerning trend among British drivers, with new data showing that one-in-five vehicles aged five years or younger fail their MOT at the first attempt.

The six-week study, which surveyed a representative sample of MOT tests at HiQ Tyres & Autocare locations across the country, found that almost 20% of vehicles younger than five years old failed to meet the minimum requirements to pass their MOT first-time.¹ The findings challenge the common belief that newer vehicles are less prone to mechanical issues, and instead, suggest that drivers of newer cars may be neglecting routine maintenance checks, leading to avoidable failures.

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check that ensures cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles over three years old in the UK meet road safety and environmental standards.

As might be expected, older vehicles in the study did show higher failure rates - 31% for those aged between 6 and 10 years, 50% for 11 to 15-year-old vehicles, and 53% for 16 to 20-year-old vehicles. While these figures for older vehicles are less surprising, the data does highlight a growing concern: the failure rate among newer models is unexpectedly high.

Craig Sprigmore, Retail Director UK & Ireland, HiQ Tyres & Autocare, said: “At HiQ, we want to keep motorists safe driving on the road. Our findings suggest a worrying level of complacency when it comes to the maintenance of newer vehicles, with many drivers mistakenly assuming that age alone guarantees roadworthiness. Sadly, that is not always the case. An MOT failure often points to there being critical safety issues with vehicles and can result in costly repairs and the need for a re-test.

“In reality, many of the most common reasons for MOT failure, such as worn tyres, faulty lamps or problems with wipers and washers, can be avoided entirely with routine maintenance checks. This oversight is resulting in an unexpectedly high number of MOT failures among relatively young vehicles, which should, in theory, be among the safest on the road.”

These findings follow HiQ’s previous research into regional MOT trends, which revealed significant regional differences in MOT pass rates and emphasised the importance of regular maintenance checks.

More than half of 20-year-old vehicles pass MOT first time

The study also highlighted broader differences in first-time MOT pass rates across vehicle age groups, further challenging the assumption that newer vehicles are always in the most roadworthy condition.

One of the most striking findings was that vehicles aged between 21 and 24 years achieved a first-time pass rate of 53%, outperforming some younger categories. By comparison, only 47% of vehicles aged 16 to 20 passed on their first attempt, again suggesting that age alone is not the decisive factor in predetermining MOT success.

“What is really noticeable is that some of the oldest vehicles in our study performed better than expected, simply because they may have been better maintained,” added Sprigmore. “These results suggest that diligent maintenance can keep vehicles in very good shape for the road, regardless of their age.

“At HiQ, we’re dedicated to providing customers with the best possible care for their vehicles. We want to remind drivers that we offer free vehicle safety checks at our autocare centres nationwide, helping drivers to stay ahead of any issues before they become serious problems and may lead to failing an MOT test. Regular vehicle maintenance is essential regardless of age, and complacency is not an option when it comes to road safety. We strongly encourage drivers to keep up with routine car servicing and take advantage of free safety checks, which can help identify potential issues early and reduce the risk of MOT failure.”

HiQ Tyres & Autocare operates more than 190 autocentres nationwide, each offering car-servicing and maintenance for a wide range of vehicles. Backed by Goodyear, it is renowned for its professional and seamless customer experience.

(1) Data from HiQ Tyres & Autocare Road Safety Survey 2025. See Appendix for full data.

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