🔒 Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems MOT Failures
This covers seat belt condition, mounting points, buckle operation, retractor function, and webbing damage. All fitted seat belts must work correctly.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
✅ Best 20 — Lowest Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems Failure Rate
These models have the lowest seat belts and supplementary restraint systems failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid seat belts and supplementary restraint systems problems.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford | EcoSport | 0% | 445,596 |
| 2 | Honda | Jazz I-vtec | 0% | 6,229 |
| 3 | Morgan | Plus 8 | 0% | 14,569 |
| 4 | Ford | Transit Custom 300limitd Eblue | 0% | 42,620 |
| 5 | Jaguar | F-type | 0% | 85,525 |
| 6 | Ford | Focus Titanium Turbo | 0% | 7,776 |
| 7 | BMW | 840i Auto | 0% | 5,611 |
| 8 | Lexus | Is250c | 0% | 6,210 |
| 9 | Toyota | Voxy | 0% | 7,035 |
| 10 | Mazda | CX-5 | 0% | 326,565 |
| 11 | Tesla | Model 3 Long Range Awd | 0% | 66,623 |
| 12 | Ford | Transit Custom 300 Trend Eblue | 0% | 9,738 |
| 13 | BMW | X3 M Competition Auto | 0% | 6,178 |
| 14 | Kia | Niro 3 Ev | 0% | 11,371 |
| 15 | MG | 5 | 0% | 6,855 |
| 16 | Fiat | Ducato 40 Maxi 130 M-jet | 0% | 6,289 |
| 17 | Toyota | Yaris Design Hev Cvt | 0% | 22,110 |
| 18 | Kia | Niro 4 Ev | 0% | 24,541 |
| 19 | BMW | 520d M Sport Mhev Auto | 0% | 13,028 |
| 20 | Toyota | Yaris Icon Hev Cvt | 0% | 12,084 |
❌ Worst 20 — Highest Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems Failure Rate
These models have the highest seat belts and supplementary restraint systems failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daihatsu | Fourtrak | 31.7% | 80,881 |
| 2 | Ford | Escort Lx | 30.7% | 7,253 |
| 3 | Ford | Transit 190 Lwb | 27.9% | 11,469 |
| 4 | Ford | Fiesta Courier | 27.1% | 36,129 |
| 5 | Daihatsu | Fieldman | 25.1% | 16,407 |
| 6 | Ford | Courier | 24.2% | 8,927 |
| 7 | Daihatsu | Sportrak | 21.3% | 22,681 |
| 8 | Ford | Escort | 21.2% | 1,244,834 |
| 9 | Nissan | Cabstar Lwb Diesel | 21% | 5,173 |
| 10 | Fiat | Marea | 19.2% | 17,865 |
| 11 | Alfa Romeo | 146 | 18.6% | 8,365 |
| 12 | Fiat | Marea Weekend | 18.5% | 20,356 |
| 13 | Fiat | Punto 1.2 | 18.4% | 18,629 |
| 14 | Ford | P100 | 17.9% | 11,659 |
| 15 | Alfa Romeo | 145 | 17.4% | 8,367 |
| 16 | Mazda | 121 | 17.2% | 17,034 |
| 17 | Renault | Extra | 17% | 9,192 |
| 18 | Rover | 111 | 17% | 29,057 |
| 19 | Rover | 114 | 16.9% | 23,135 |
| 20 | Ford | Scorpio | 16.1% | 24,365 |
💡 How to Avoid Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems Failures
- ✓ Pull each belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or damage to the webbing.
- ✓ Test that every buckle clicks securely and releases properly.
- ✓ Check belt retractors pull the belt back smoothly when released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seat belt issues fail the MOT?
Damaged or frayed webbing, buckles that don't latch securely, retractors that don't pull the belt back, corroded mounting points, and missing seat belts that should be fitted all cause MOT failure.
Can seat belts be repaired?
Seat belts should be replaced rather than repaired. A replacement belt costs £40-£100 per belt from a breaker's yard, or £80-£200 new. Fitting typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Are rear seat belts checked in the MOT?
Yes — all seat belts fitted to the vehicle are checked, including rear belts. If a rear belt is fitted but doesn't work, it will fail the MOT.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.