Van MOTs: Your Guide to Pass Rates & Failures

For many businesses and tradespeople across the UK, a van is more than just a vehicle; it's the backbone of their operation. Keeping it roadworthy and compliant with legal requirements, particularly the annual MOT test, is paramount. Unlike some other services, it's worth noting that councils in the UK do not conduct MOT tests themselves; these are carried out by approved private garages. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate world of van and pick-up MOTs, drawing on real-world data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to reveal pass rates, common failures, and essential advice to help your commercial vehicle sail through its inspection.

Vans lead a demanding life, often covering significantly more miles and carrying heavier loads than their car counterparts. This rigorous usage naturally impacts their wear and tear, making the MOT a crucial assessment of their safety and environmental compliance. Understanding the nuances of the test, from common failure points to manufacturer reliability, can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches.

Understanding the MOT for Commercial Vehicles

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions. It's a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. For vans and pick-ups, this test is particularly vital given their hard-working nature. The data presented here stems from the Honest John Vans MoT Files, which are based on real-world information provided directly by the DVSA.

The Honest John Vans MOT Files

The Honest John Vans MoT Files provide an invaluable resource for van and pick-up owners, offering detailed insights into MoT pass rates by make and model. This data is derived from hundreds of thousands of tests conducted across the UK, providing a clear picture of vehicle reliability and common issues. For instance, in 2017 alone, a quarter of a million vans underwent their first MoT test, with a staggering 61,000 failing due to potentially dangerous defects. This highlights the importance of regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks.

Unveiling Pass and Fail Rates

When it comes to the MOT, some vehicles perform better than others. The data reveals interesting trends regarding which vans and pick-ups are more likely to pass or fail their first test.

The Toughest Challenges: Vans Most Likely to Fail Their First MOT

Some models consistently struggle to achieve a first-time pass on their MOT. These vehicles often exhibit recurring issues that owners should be particularly aware of:

• Citroen Dispatch – 64.6% MoT pass rate: The Dispatch consistently shows a poor MoT pass rate. Three-year-old models often fail on a multitude of items, with suspension and electrical problems being particularly prevalent. Its pass rate is 46 per cent worse than the average for vans registered in 2014.
• Citroen Relay – 66.6% MoT pass rate: Citroen's larger Relay van also faces significant challenges. Its MoT file reveals a lengthy list of issues, with suspension being a major concern. Front joints, for example, are five times more likely to fail the MoT than average for a three-year-old van. Body and structural items also perform poorly, with a failure rate twice as high as expected.
• Nissan NV200 – 68.4% MoT pass rate: The NV200 is the only Nissan on this list of underperformers. Problem areas include lighting, tyres, and the driver's view of the road. On average, the NV200 performs 30 per cent worse than other 2014 vans at its first MoT, and headlamp failure rates are 120 per cent worse than average.

Manufacturers Leading the Way in First-Time Passes

Conversely, some manufacturers consistently produce commercial vehicles that excel at their first MoT. This often points to robust design and better overall reliability.

• Toyota: Toyota stands out as the most reliable manufacturer, with eight out of 10 of its commercial vehicles passing their first MoT at three years. Out of over 6,000 Toyotas tested in 2017, fewer than 1,200 failed.
• Isuzu: Pick-up specialist Isuzu comes in second, with 80 per cent of its vehicles tested in 2017 achieving a first-time pass.
• Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz secures third place with a respectable 79 per cent pass rate. Notably, it's also the highest-ranked large volume van maker in the MoT Files, having had over 23,000 vehicles undergo their first test in 2017.

At the other end of the spectrum, Citroen props up the table with a pass rate of almost 69 per cent, making it the lowest-scoring van maker. Renault is the second-worst, with fewer than 72 per cent of its vehicles passing, closely followed by Nissan.

*Table is based on three-year-old vans and pick-ups having their first MoT test in 2017. List excludes manufacturers that had fewer than 2000 MoT tests in the calendar year.

Top Performers: Vans and Pick-ups with High Pass Rates

Beyond manufacturer averages, specific models stand out for their exceptional MoT pass rates:

• Volkswagen Amarok – 84.2% MoT pass rate: The Amarok consistently sails through its MoT test. It boasts excellent pass rates for both tyre and brake wear. Crucially, suspension problems – a common issue for pick-ups due to the loads they carry – are remarkably low, with a failure rate under one per cent across three-year-old Amaroks.
• Ford Ranger – 81.0% MoT pass rate: As the UK’s best-selling pick-up, the Ranger performs admirably, though not quite matching its German rival. Tyre and brake wear pass rates are generally good, up to 50 per cent better than average. However, suspension issues, particularly leaf spring wear, can drag its overall score down, being eight times worse than other 2014 pick-ups.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito – 79.1% MoT pass rate: The Vito is recognised as the best panel van for passing its first MoT. Failures for lighting, electrical equipment, and suspension are all notably lower than average, offering owners peace of mind that a three-year-old Vito is unlikely to incur significant repair costs on MoT day.

Demystifying the MOT Process and Costs

Understanding the practicalities of the MOT, from what it costs to what happens if your vehicle fails, is essential for every van owner.

How Much Does an MOT Cost?

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sets a maximum fee that MoT test stations can charge, which varies depending on the vehicle class. It’s always advisable to check current maximum fees, but the following table provides a guide:

When to Book Your Van's MOT

Vans are legally required to have their first MoT test when they reach three years of age. The exact date for this first test is determined by the third anniversary of the vehicle’s registration. After this initial test, a new MoT is required every 12 months. You can easily find the renewal date for your vehicle's MoT pass certificate by checking its MoT history online.

Understanding MOT Failure Categories

In 2018, the DVSA introduced new defect categories for the MoT, providing clearer guidance on the severity of faults. These categories determine the outcome of your test:

A vehicle receiving a dangerous fault will automatically fail and is deemed illegal to be driven on the road. A major fault also results in a fail, requiring repair and retest. Minor defects are similar to advisories; the vehicle passes, but the faults are noted in the MoT history, and repairs should be carried out promptly.

What Happens if Your Van Fails Its MOT?

If your van fails its MoT, the course of action depends on the validity of your existing certificate and the nature of the defect. If your current MoT is still valid and the van has a Major defect, you can theoretically drive the vehicle away from the test centre. However, depending on the specific defect, you could still be prosecuted if stopped by the police, as the vehicle is considered unsafe. It is strictly illegal to drive a vehicle away from the MoT station if the certificate has expired or if a Dangerous defect has been detected. In such cases, the vehicle must be repaired at the garage that conducted the MoT or trailered away. Driving a vehicle that has failed its MoT due to a Dangerous problem can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and a driving ban.

The Consequences of an Expired MOT

Forgetting to renew your MoT can have severe consequences. If your MoT certificate has expired, you should stop using the vehicle immediately. The only exceptions are if you are driving the van directly to a garage for a pre-booked MoT test or to a place of repair. Driving without a valid MoT is a serious offence that can result in significant fines and invalidate your insurance. Many services, including Honest John Homepages, offer free MoT reminders to help you keep track of your renewal dates.

Common Reasons for Van MOT Failure

Given their hardworking nature, vans are prone to specific types of wear and tear that frequently lead to MoT failures. Understanding these common culprits can help you address potential issues before your test.

Top 3 Causes of Van MOT Failure

• Lamps, Reflectors, and Electrical Equipment – 653,352 failures: Over half of all van MoT failures are attributed to some form of lighting problem. This includes over 246,000 vehicles failing due to defective registration plate lamps, and a further 154,000 denied an MoT because of faulty brake lights. Additionally, more than one in 10 vans fail because their headlight aim is dangerously adjusted. These issues are often simple to spot and fix, yet they remain a primary cause of failure.
• Suspension – 406,488 failures: The rigorous demands placed on modern vans, often involving heavy loads, make suspension issues a common failure point. While wear and tear to springs, anti-roll bars, and suspension arms are to be expected, a worrying number of drivers overlook obvious problems. If your van provides a particularly bumpy ride, it’s a clear sign that the suspension needs checking.
• Brakes – 369,863 failures: A significant proportion – approximately one-third – of all vans fail their MoT due to dangerously defective brakes. Similar to suspension problems, this is often exacerbated by the heavy loads vans routinely carry, which can significantly increase wear and tear on braking components. Tell-tale signs such as a spongy pedal feel, vibrations, or unusual noises during braking are strong indicators that something is amiss and requires immediate attention.

The Age Factor: Van MOT Pass Rates by Year

The demanding life of a van is clearly reflected in its MoT pass rates as it ages. The average van will have covered around 47,000 miles by its first MoT at three years, compared to a car's average of 26,000 miles over the same period. This difference in usage leads to a lower initial pass rate for vans; only one in four vans pass their first MoT at three years, compared to one in six cars.

As vans get older, their pass rates generally decline, reflecting increased wear and the cumulative effect of a hard life. However, an interesting trend emerges after a certain age:

By the time a van reaches five years old, its chance of passing the MoT drops to around 60 per cent. This pass rate continues to fall until the vehicle reaches approximately 12 years of age. After this point, the rate often begins to climb slightly. This phenomenon is often attributed to businesses scrapping their heavily used workhorses, while enthusiasts or individuals who rely on older vans invest more time and money into their upkeep, ensuring they remain roadworthy.

It's also worth noting that MoT pass rates can vary by local area. Data shows that the postcode where a vehicle is tested can influence the pass rate, indicating regional differences in vehicle condition or testing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ask Honest John: Common Van Issues

Here are answers to some common questions that van owners often have regarding their vehicles and the MOT:

Q: Why is my van cutting out after I had the head gasket changed? I had the head gasket on my Peugeot Boxer changed, but on the way home (after about five miles) it decided to lose power and cut out. No lights came on the dashboard, it just went dead. After a couple of minutes it started and I got about 30 yards before it cut out again. Any idea what's wrong with it?

A: If the head gasket change was carried out by a professional garage, your first step should be to contact them immediately to resolve the issue. It's their responsibility to ensure the repair is complete and the vehicle is functioning correctly. If you performed the job yourself, you should meticulously check for any coolant leaks, ensure there's a spark at the plugs, and verify that fuel is reaching the injectors. Post-repair issues can often stem from overlooked connections or airlocks in the system.

Ensuring your van is well-maintained and prepared for its annual MOT is not just a legal obligation; it's a critical aspect of road safety and operational efficiency. By understanding the common failure points, the importance of regular checks, and the implications of an expired or failed test, you can keep your commercial vehicle reliably on the road, minimising downtime and unexpected costs.

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