🛞 Tyres MOT Failures
Tyre failures include insufficient tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters), damage to sidewalls, incorrect tyre size, and mixing of cross-ply and radial tyres.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
✅ Best 20 — Lowest Tyres Failure Rate
These models have the lowest tyres failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid tyres problems.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | Gl1500 | 0% | 8,472 |
| 2 | BMW | R1150gs | 0% | 8,960 |
| 3 | Honda | Gl 1800se | 0.1% | 5,619 |
| 4 | Honda | Gl1500se | 0.2% | 6,645 |
| 5 | Lamborghini | Huracan | 0.6% | 6,162 |
| 6 | Austin Healey | 3000 | 0.8% | 6,037 |
| 7 | MG | A | 0.8% | 6,034 |
| 8 | Ferrari | 488 | 0.9% | 8,529 |
| 9 | Triumph | Tr4 | 1.2% | 8,096 |
| 10 | Morgan | Roadster | 1.3% | 6,807 |
| 11 | Ferrari | 458 | 1.4% | 5,295 |
| 12 | Morgan | Plus 4 | 1.5% | 16,091 |
| 13 | Morgan | Plus 8 | 1.5% | 14,569 |
| 14 | Triumph | Tr6 | 1.5% | 37,821 |
| 15 | Jaguar | 'e' Type | 1.5% | 45,057 |
| 16 | Triumph | Tr4a | 1.6% | 7,654 |
| 17 | Sunbeam | Alpine | 1.6% | 6,532 |
| 18 | MG | C | 1.6% | 5,649 |
| 19 | Morgan | 4/4 | 1.6% | 35,398 |
| 20 | Ferrari | 328 | 1.7% | 6,015 |
❌ Worst 20 — Highest Tyres Failure Rate
These models have the highest tyres failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford | Escort Lx | 41.5% | 7,253 |
| 2 | Vauxhall | Combo 1700 Di | 36.6% | 20,887 |
| 3 | Vauxhall | Vectra Ls 16v | 36.1% | 9,873 |
| 4 | Vauxhall | Vectra Sri 16v | 34.5% | 7,212 |
| 5 | Renault | Megane Dynamique Dci 120 | 33.7% | 6,523 |
| 6 | Fiat | Stilo | 33.6% | 273,246 |
| 7 | Fiat | Multipla | 33.5% | 116,913 |
| 8 | Alfa Romeo | 156 | 33.1% | 195,237 |
| 9 | Kia | Shuma | 32.8% | 18,636 |
| 10 | Peugeot | 307 Lx | 32.4% | 5,437 |
| 11 | BMW | 318 I | 32.3% | 9,941 |
| 12 | Ford | Fiesta Courier | 31.9% | 36,129 |
| 13 | Renault | Laguna Dynamique 16v | 31.7% | 7,520 |
| 14 | Rover | 420 | 31.5% | 81,151 |
| 15 | Peugeot | 307 Envy 90 | 31% | 6,796 |
| 16 | Alfa Romeo | 146 | 30.7% | 8,365 |
| 17 | Renault | Clio Dynam Billabong 16v | 30.7% | 5,169 |
| 18 | Audi | A4 1.9 | 30.5% | 11,370 |
| 19 | Ford | Courier | 30.5% | 8,927 |
| 20 | BMW | 316 I | 30.2% | 7,548 |
💡 How to Avoid Tyres Failures
- ✓ Check tread depth regularly using the 20p test — if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is too low.
- ✓ Inspect sidewalls for bulges, cuts, or cracking which are automatic MOT failures regardless of tread depth.
- ✓ Rotate tyres every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear across all four corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum tyre tread depth for an MOT?
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Tyres below this depth are an automatic MOT failure and carry a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
Do part-worn tyres pass the MOT?
Part-worn tyres can pass the MOT provided they meet all requirements: minimum 1.6mm tread depth, no structural damage, correct size for the vehicle, and properly marked. However, quality varies significantly with part-worn tyres.
How often should I replace my tyres?
Replace tyres when tread reaches 2-3mm (before the legal minimum). Regardless of tread, replace tyres over 5 years old as rubber degrades. Most tyres last 20,000-30,000 miles depending on driving style.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.