🔍 Identification of the vehicle MOT Failures
This covers vehicle identification checks including VIN plate presence, legibility, and security. The tester verifies the registration plate matches DVLA records and that the VIN has not been tampered with.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
✅ Best 20 — Lowest Identification of the vehicle Failure Rate
These models have the lowest identification of the vehicle failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid identification of the vehicle problems.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | Cbf 1000 A-6 | 0% | 5,507 |
| 2 | Yamaha | Fjr | 0% | 5,021 |
| 3 | Nissan | Juke N-connecta Dig-t | 0% | 18,854 |
| 4 | Volkswagen | Golf Match Edition Tsi Evo S-a | 0% | 11,300 |
| 5 | Hyundai | I10 Se Connect Mpi | 0% | 8,722 |
| 6 | Suzuki | An650 | 0% | 5,453 |
| 7 | Peugeot | 208 Allure Premium Puretech Ss | 0% | 6,582 |
| 8 | Honda | Jazz Sr I-mmd Cvt | 0% | 6,826 |
| 9 | Moto Guzzi | California | 0% | 11,644 |
| 10 | Mercedes | Slk 250 | 0% | 10,315 |
| 11 | Renault | Clio Iconic Tce | 0% | 18,218 |
| 12 | MG | Zs Exclusive Ev | 0% | 18,317 |
| 13 | Yamaha | Tdm900 | 0% | 18,015 |
| 14 | Mercedes | Cls 350 | 0% | 31,787 |
| 15 | Mercedes | Slk 55 | 0% | 7,101 |
| 16 | Skoda | Kamiq Se | 0% | 6,676 |
| 17 | Suzuki | An400 | 0% | 21,728 |
| 18 | BMW | R1200c | 0% | 5,032 |
| 19 | Renault | Captur S Edition Tce | 0% | 9,021 |
| 20 | Kia | Niro 3 Ev | 0% | 11,371 |
❌ Worst 20 — Highest Identification of the vehicle Failure Rate
These models have the highest identification of the vehicle failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volvo | 900 Series | 4.6% | 17,503 |
| 2 | Volvo | 800 Series | 4.1% | 9,972 |
| 3 | Mazda | B-series | 3.9% | 14,371 |
| 4 | Isuzu Trucks | Grafter N35.120 | 3.1% | 5,053 |
| 5 | Honda | Fr-v | 3.1% | 37,339 |
| 6 | Isuzu Trucks | Grafter N35.150 | 3.1% | 5,832 |
| 7 | Yamaha | Wr | 3.1% | 10,833 |
| 8 | Volkswagen | Lt | 2.9% | 66,295 |
| 9 | Mercedes-Benz | Vaneo | 2.7% | 5,223 |
| 10 | Ferrari | 458 | 2.7% | 5,295 |
| 11 | Lamborghini | Huracan | 2.6% | 6,162 |
| 12 | Toyota | Hiace | 2.5% | 68,150 |
| 13 | Ferrari | 488 | 2.5% | 8,529 |
| 14 | Nissan | D22 | 2.4% | 11,448 |
| 15 | Harley Davidson | Fxsb | 2.4% | 6,062 |
| 16 | Citroen | C15 | 2.4% | 11,954 |
| 17 | Ktm | 690 | 2.3% | 5,627 |
| 18 | Ktm | 125 | 2.3% | 9,147 |
| 19 | Mazda | Rx 8 | 2.3% | 18,126 |
| 20 | Isuzu | D-max Yukon D/c Intercooler | 2.2% | 8,788 |
💡 How to Avoid Identification of the vehicle Failures
- ✓ Ensure your VIN plate is securely attached and fully legible — dirt or corrosion can obscure characters.
- ✓ Check your registration plates are correctly formatted with the right font, spacing, and reflective backing.
- ✓ If your vehicle has had bodywork repairs near the VIN plate, verify it hasn't been damaged or obscured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What identification issues fail the MOT?
A missing, illegible, or insecure VIN plate, registration plates that don't conform to regulations, and any evidence of VIN tampering will all cause an MOT failure.
How much does a replacement VIN plate cost?
A replacement VIN plate must be obtained through DVLA and costs around £25. You'll need to provide proof of identity and vehicle ownership.
Can dirty number plates fail the MOT?
Yes — if the registration plate is so dirty or faded that it cannot be easily read, the vehicle will fail. Replacement plates cost £15-£30 from most motor factors.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.