🎯 Steering MOT Failures

Steering failures include excessive play in the steering rack, worn track rod ends, power steering fluid leaks, damaged steering column joints, and worn wheel bearings.

1,769

Models Compared

3.62%

Average Failure Rate

Best Rate

Data from official DVSA MOT testing records

✅ Best 20 — Lowest Steering Failure Rate

These models have the lowest steering failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid steering problems.

#	Make	Model	Failure Rate	Total Tests
1	Volkswagen	Golf Match Edition	0%	9,334
2	Ford	Transit Custom 280limitd Eblue	0%	35,617
3	Nissan	Pixo	0%	145,084
4	Volkswagen	Tiguan R-line Tech	0%	9,664
5	Ford	Puma Titanium Mhev	0%	11,437
6	MG	Hs	0%	6,847
7	Land Rover	Discovery Sport Se D Auto	0%	6,113
8	Mercedes-Benz	Glc 300 Amg Line Prem D 4m A	0%	16,626
9	Tesla	Model 3 Long Range Awd	0%	66,623
10	BMW	M135i Xdrive Auto	0%	24,892
11	BMW	640	0%	82,536
12	Skoda	Karoq	0%	132,958
13	Mitsubishi	Eclipse	0%	35,324
14	Toyota	Corolla Icon Tech Hev Cvt	0%	27,460
15	Mercedes	B 180	0%	78,909
16	Nissan	Juke N-connecta Dig-t S-a	0%	15,008
17	Volkswagen	Golf Match Tdi 105	0%	6,734
18	Volkswagen	Tiguan R-line Tech Tdi S-a	0%	5,638
19	Hyundai	Kona Premium Se Gdi Hev S-a	0%	6,672
20	Nissan	Gt-r	0%	25,708

❌ Worst 20 — Highest Steering Failure Rate

These models have the highest steering failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.

#	Make	Model	Failure Rate	Total Tests
1	Renault	Laguna Dynamique 16v	27.7%	7,520
2	Nissan	Primastar Se Dci100 Swb	24.8%	8,905
3	Vauxhall	Vivaro 2700 Dti Swb	24.3%	33,064
4	Vauxhall	Combo 1700 Di	24%	20,887
5	Ldv	200	22.9%	10,393
6	Ldv	Convoy	22.8%	215,599
7	Ldv	Pilot	22.5%	37,027
8	Renault	Vel Satis	21.7%	7,864
9	Ldv	400 Convoy D Lwb	21.4%	26,476
10	Land Rover	90 4c Sw Dt Diesel	21.4%	5,423
11	Ldv	400	21.1%	22,326
12	Land Rover	110 Defender Turbo Dies	21%	6,654
13	Ldv	400 Convoy Td Lwb	21%	22,500
14	Renault	Ll29 Dci 100	20.9%	9,535
15	Renault	Laguna Sport Tourer	20.8%	5,512
16	Vauxhall	Vivaro 2700 Sport Dti Swb	20.7%	5,165
17	Land Rover	90 Defender Turbo Dies	20.7%	7,862
18	Proton	Wira	20.5%	23,877
19	Chrysler	Pt Cruiser Touring Crd	20.4%	13,517
20	Renault	Clio Dynam Billabong 16v	20.4%	5,169

💡 How to Avoid Steering Failures

✓ Check for play in the steering by rocking the wheel gently with the car stationary — there should be minimal free movement.
✓ Look under the car for power steering fluid leaks, especially around rack gaiters and hose connections.
✓ Listen for humming or grinding from wheel bearings when driving — these often fail the MOT for excessive play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steering issues cause MOT failure?

Common steering MOT failures include worn track rod ends with excessive play, damaged steering rack gaiters, power steering fluid leaks, worn steering column universal joints, and excessive steering wheel free play.

How is steering checked in the MOT?

The tester checks steering wheel free play, inspects all steering components for wear and damage, checks power steering operation, and looks for fluid leaks. Components are tested both visually and by rocking wheels with the car raised.

How much does steering repair cost?

Track rod end replacement costs £60-£120 per side plus alignment. Steering rack replacement is £300-£600. Power steering pump replacement ranges from £200-£500 depending on the vehicle.

Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.