More than a third of vans submitted for an MOT in the past year failed their initial test, with almost half failing on problems with lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, according to a study conducted by Select Van Leasing.
The date, uncovered in a Freedom of Information request, reveals that of the nearly 2.5 million Class 4 vans presented for an MOT in the 12 months to June 2024, over 890,000 (36%) failed the initial test.
That 36% failure rate is significantly higher than the 28% initial failure rate recorded by the DVSA for cars, passenger vehicles and vans as a whole between 2023 and 2024.
The vehicles failed the initial test due to one or more defects. The top reason for failing the initial test in the period was defective lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (47%) followed by problems with suspension at 34% and in third place, worringly, was faulty brakes at 28%.
In addition, issues with body, chassis or structure accounted for 18% of MOT initial failures, ahead of worn-out tyres at 17%.
Luton vans were found to be the van most often failed in the lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment category, with a 66% failure rate. Box vans also have a very high failure rate in this category at 57%.
The Select Van Leasing data also revealed that Ford Transit Custom van – the UK’s best-stelling light commercial vehicle - has the lowest initial failure rate, with 78% of vehicles passing the initial MOT test.
Peugeot Boxers, Fiat Ducatos and Nissan NV300s also have a low failure rate of 27%.
Graham Conway, Select Van Leasing managing director, said the data uncovered by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVSA lays bare the importance of regular vehicle maintenance in order to improve standards.
He said: “It’s eye-opening to see much higher rates of initial MOT failures for vans compared with typical passenger vehicles and our stats highlight the need for improved standards.
“By their very nature, light commercial vehicles need to work hard for the businesses they serve and must stand up to the rigours of constant use. With all that in mind, it’s vital vans are either maintained to high standards or replaced when age catches up with them.”
Conway added: “Heavy payloads place extra stress on van components while increasing stopping distances. So, with that in mind, it’s worrying to see high numbers of van MOT initial failures linked to brakes or suspension defects.
“I’d urge all business owners or van drivers to pay close attention to potential problems as soon as they arise - such as poor handling or the vehicle pulling to one side when the brakes are deployed – rather than waiting for the issues to be highlighted during the annual MOT check.
“In particular, faulty brakes and tyres can significantly increase the risks of accidents and injury.”
Class 4 Vans and Pick-ups initial MOT failure data 2023-2024
Total number of vans submitted for an MOT test: 2,471,121.
Total number of initial MOT failures: 890,938
Percentage of initial MOT failures: 36%
Top 10 reasons for van MOT initial failures 2023-2024:
Lamps, reflectors and electric equipment: 47%
Suspension: 34%
Brakes: 28%
Visibility: 20%
Body, chassis, structure: 18%
Tyres: 17%
Noise, emissions and leaks: 12%
Steering: 10%
Seatbelts and restraints: 5%
Identification of the vehicle: 1%
Road wheels: 1%
