EV MOT Failures: The Most Common Reasons Electric Cars Fail Their MOT (And How to Avoid Them)
MOT test failure rates on EVs are surprisingly high, we explore why, and how to ensure your EV passes with flying colours.
Electric cars may have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel vehicles, but they still require an annual MOT once they reach three years old. While EVs don't have exhaust systems, engine oil or traditional gearboxes to worry about, they can still fail for a variety of reasons.
In fact, many of the most common MOT failures for electric cars are exactly the same as those affecting conventional vehicles. The difference is that the extra weight and unique characteristics of EVs can make certain problems more likely to occur.
If your MOT is approaching, it's worth checking when it's due and considering a pre-MOT inspection to identify any issues before test day.
You can check your MOT expiry date here:
And if you'd like a garage to inspect the car beforehand and identify any likely failures, you can book a pre-MOT inspection here:
Tyres Wear Faster on Electric Cars
One of the biggest reasons electric vehicles fail their MOT is tyre wear. Many EVs are heavier than their petrol and diesel equivalents because of their large battery packs. Add in the instant torque delivered by an electric motor and it's easy to see why tyres can wear more quickly than many owners expect.
It's not uncommon for drivers to discover their tyres are close to the legal limit when the MOT comes around. UK law requires tyres to have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Anything below this will result in an immediate failure.
This can be an especially common MOT fail, especially in Teslas, simply due to the fact that their “no servicing” requirement often means that their MOT test will be the first time they’ve ever been in a garage.
Regenerative Braking Doesn't Mean Maintenance-Free Brakes
A common misconception among EV owners is that regenerative braking eliminates wear on the braking system.
While regenerative braking does reduce the amount of work carried out by the brake pads and discs, those components are still essential and remain subject to MOT inspection. In fact, because they are used less frequently, brake discs can sometimes suffer from corrosion and surface rust. That’s right, brake problems due to lack of use (it’s a brave new world folks!).
If your brakes feel less effective than usual, make unusual noises or the discs appear heavily corroded, it's worth having them inspected before the MOT. A simple check beforehand could save you from an avoidable failure.
Windscreen Wipers Still Catch Thousands of Drivers Out
Few MOT failures are as frustrating as those caused by worn windscreen wipers.
Over time the rubber blades deteriorate, causing them to smear water across the screen rather than clearing it effectively. Reduced visibility is taken seriously during an MOT, and defective wipers can easily result in a failure.
Fortunately, replacement blades are inexpensive and can usually be fitted in a matter of minutes. It's one of the simplest fixes you can make before the test.
Lighting Faults Remain a Major MOT Failure Point
Headlights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights are all checked during an MOT.
A blown bulb is often enough to cause a failure, but it's not always the bulb itself that's the problem. Misaligned headlights are also a frequent issue, particularly if a bulb has recently been replaced or a vehicle has had minor repair work carried out.
A quick walk around the vehicle before your MOT, checking every light is working correctly, could prevent a wasted trip to the test centre.
Electrical Faults
Unlike conventional vehicles, electric cars rely heavily on high-voltage electrical systems.
During an MOT, testers will inspect visible electrical components and wiring for signs of damage, insecurity or deterioration. Damaged high-voltage cables, exposed wiring and obvious battery-related issues can all lead to problems.
While these faults are relatively uncommon, they should never be ignored. Not only can they affect your MOT result, but they can also have implications for safety and long-term reliability.
Tesla has basically no service requirement, which can make first MOT failure rates high compared to other brands, simply because many have never seen a garage in their first 3 years of life.
Suspension Wear Can Be Hidden
The additional weight carried by electric vehicles places greater demands on suspension components.
Over time, springs, shock absorbers and suspension bushes can wear, affecting ride quality and handling. Many drivers don't notice the gradual deterioration until an MOT inspection highlights the issue.
If your car has started to feel unsettled over bumps or produces knocks and rattles from underneath, it's worth having it checked before the test.
Dashboard Warning Lights Matter
Modern MOT tests include checks on several electronic safety systems. If warning lights relating to systems such as ABS, stability control, airbags or braking systems remain illuminated, the vehicle could fail.
Electric cars may also display warnings relating to battery management systems or electrical faults. While some alerts can be minor, it's always worth investigating them before presenting the vehicle for its MOT.
Ignoring warning lights and hoping for the best rarely ends well.
Give Yourself the Best Chance of a First-Time Pass
Most EV MOT failures are entirely preventable. Spending a few minutes checking tyres, lights, wipers and warning lights before your test can save both time and money.
If you'd like extra peace of mind, a pre-MOT inspection can identify potential issues before the official test takes place, check when your MOT is due, or compare prices and avialability and local garages and test centres near you, use these handy buttons which will take you to our affiliate partner, BookMyGarage:
A little preparation goes a long way, and it's often the difference between a first-time pass and an inconvenient retest.