The van models most likely to fail their MOT

If you drive a van – or run a whole fleet – you’ll know the annual MOT can feel like a nerve-wracking test. And for good reason: more than one in four vans (25.9%) fail their first MOT, according to the latest DVSA data. That’s more than double the failure rate for cars.

With over 5.1 million vans now on UK roads, this isn’t just a headache for drivers and businesses – it’s a real risk to traffic flow and national infrastructure. So, what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how can you avoid being part of that statistic?

The vans most likely to fail

Some models struggle more than others. Based on MOT data since 2005:

Most likely to fail: Nissan Primastar (35% failure rate)
Close behind: Fiat Scudo (34%) and Vauxhall Astravan
Other repeat offenders: Nissan NV400 and Fiat Doblo

On the flip side, if you’re driving a Volkswagen Amarok, you’re in luck – it tops the pass-rate table at just 12.37%. Among traditional vans, the Peugeot Expert and VW Transporter are the most MOT-friendly.

The vans most likely to pass

It’s not all bad news. Some vans consistently sail through their MOTs:

Most likely to pass: Volkswagen Amarok (12.37% failure rate)
Next best: Mitsubishi L-200 (12.79%) and Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Among traditional vans, the Peugeot Expert and Volkswagen Transporter rank highly for reliability

If you’re running one of these models, you’re already ahead of the curve – but regular checks still matter.

The top reasons van fail MOTs

The number one culprit? Parking brake efficiency below requirements. Other common fail points include:

Registration plate lamps not working
Windscreen wipers failing to clear properly
Tyres below legal tread depth

Interestingly, tyre issues rank lower for vans than cars – suggesting van drivers are better at keeping up with tyre maintenance. But don’t get complacent: tyres are still critical for safety, especially on loaded vehicles.

Why are vans failing more often than cars?

Here’s where we dig into the why. While the DVSA doesn’t give us all the answers, industry experts point to a few key factors:

Ignored advisories: Around 25% of vans that fail had previous advisories. Skipping those “minor” fixes can lead to major problems later.
Heavy loads, harder wear: Vans often carry more weight than cars, putting extra strain on brakes and suspension.
Maintenance gaps: Daily walk-around checks aren’t always done, especially in busy fleets.

Does location matter?

Our previous research on car MOTs showed big regional differences – Bromley topped the table with an 80.64% pass rate, while Kirkcaldy lagged behind at 71.26%. Coastal towns like Truro and Plymouth also struggled.

For vans, the same logic applies:

Older vans in rural/coastal areas = higher failure risk
Tougher conditions (salt, potholes) = more wear
Maintenance habits vary by region

So, where you operate could influence your MOT odds.

How to beat the odds

The good news? Most MOT failures are avoidable with regular care. Here’s what to do:

Don’t ignore advisories. They’re not optional – they’re warnings.
Check your parking brake. It’s the top fail point for vans.
Keep lights and wipers in working order. Simple fixes can save a fail.
Monitor tyre tread and pressure. Especially if you’re carrying heavy loads.
Do daily walk-around checks. A few minutes can prevent breakdowns and fines.

Putting off maintenance leads to downtime, missed deliveries, and higher costs. So prevention really is cheaper than cure!

With one in four vans failing their MOT, it’s a wake-up call for van drivers. Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a fleet, staying on top of maintenance means fewer surprises, safer roads, and less disruption to your business.

Because when your van stops, so does everything else. From single vans to full fleets, at Howden we’ll help you find cover that keeps you moving. Search Howden Insurance to find your local branch and speak to the team.

Sources: Motoring Research, Money Supermarket

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