MOT cost .

MOT failure · RFR #30865

A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED

Total

112,826

Models

267

Models most at risk.

Ranked by rate, not raw volume. A Fiesta shows every failure a lot because there are a lot of Fiestas. Rate = share of that model's own MOTs.

  1. 01 Talbot Express 1300 P 5.60%
  2. 02 Vauxhall Combo 2300 Sportive TD 4.33%
  3. 03 Volkswagen LT 3.88%
  4. 04 Hyundai I800 3.86%
  5. 05 Iveco Daily 35c15 Mwb 3.82%
  6. 06 Talbot Express 3.82%
  7. 07 Mercedes Benz Vito 110 Progressive Cdi 3.68%
  8. 08 Nissan Cabstar 3.54%
  9. 09 Chevrolet Captiva 3.30%
  10. 10 Jeep Compass Limited Crd 3.23%
  11. 11 Peugeot Boxer 435 Pro L4h2 Bluehdi 3.20%
  12. 12 Jeep Cherokee 3.15%
  13. 13 Land Rover 110 3.14%
  14. 14 Mercedes Benz Vito 110 Pure Cdi 2.94%
  15. 15 Daihatsu Hijet 2.89%
  16. 16 Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Edition S/s 2.88%
  17. 17 Smart Forfour Passion 2.87%
  18. 18 Peugeot 207 2.87%
  19. 19 Peugeot 307 2.86%
  20. 20 MG 5 Excite 2.84%
  21. 21 Mercedes Benz Vaneo 2.83%
  22. 22 Citroen Relay 35 L2h2 Eprise Bhdi S/s 2.82%
  23. 23 Reliant Robin 2.77%
  24. 24 MG 6 2.64%
  25. 25 Renault Modus 2.64%
  26. 26 Vauxhall Combo 2300 Sportive TD S/s 2.63%
  27. 27 Jeep Compass Limited Cvt 2.62%
  28. 28 Chrysler Jeep Patriot 2.62%
  29. 29 Citroen Relay 35 L3h2 Eprise Bhdi S/s 2.51%
  30. 30 Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Dynamic S/s 2.48%

Top 30 by rate. 237 more models also logged this defect.

Typical UK garage cost

£10–£80

for headlamp aim / lens restoration. Range covers regional rate spread + part-quality variance. Open the estimator →

Pre-empt this fail · Amazon UK

Headlight restoration kit

Yellowed lenses fail the light-output test. A restoration kit lifts the haze in an afternoon for £20.

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Frequently asked.

Why does a headlamp or light source missing,… fail an MOT?
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED. Most commonly flagged on the Talbot Express 1300 P. The DVSA's MOT standards require this item to meet minimum safety thresholds — when it falls short, the tester logs it as a Major or Dangerous defect and the car fails outright.
How much does it cost to fix a headlamp or light source missing,…?
Typical UK garage cost for headlamp aim / lens restoration is £10–£80. The range reflects regional labour rate differences and part-quality choices. Main dealer rates are usually 30–50% higher.
Can I fix a headlamp or light source missing,… myself?
Many owners handle this with basic tools. The parts or products listed above are commonly used for this repair. Check your vehicle handbook and confirm the fix clears the defect before booking a retest.