MOT cost .

MOT failure · RFR #30866

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

Total

3,288

Models

42

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 Volkswagen LT 4.20%
  2. 02 Jeep Compass Limited Crd 3.47%
  3. 03 Piaggio Porter 2.85%
  4. 04 Reliant Robin 2.50%
  5. 05 Jeep Compass Limited Cvt 2.40%
  6. 06 Smart City Passion 61 Auto 2.14%
  7. 07 Jeep Cherokee 1.95%
  8. 08 MG 5 Excite 1.85%
  9. 09 Volkswagen Camper 1.79%
  10. 10 Citroen C6 1.69%
  11. 11 Lotus Elan 1.46%
  12. 12 Citroen 2cv 1.32%
  13. 13 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Crd A 1.15%
  14. 14 MG ZS 1.12%
  15. 15 Triumph Tr6 1.10%
  16. 16 Land Rover Unclassified 1.09%
  17. 17 Jaguar Xjs 1.09%
  18. 18 Westfield Unclassified 1.02%
  19. 19 Triumph Stag 0.98%
  20. 20 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 0.79%
  21. 21 Toyota C HR 0.78%
  22. 22 Tvr Griffith 500 0.78%
  23. 23 Jaguar E Type 0.72%
  24. 24 Renault Zoe 0.71%
  25. 25 BMW 418 0.67%
  26. 26 MG HS Excite S A 0.61%
  27. 27 MG 5 Exclusive 0.55%
  28. 28 MG ZS Exclusive EV 0.54%
  29. 29 MG ZS Excite EV 0.51%
  30. 30 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SE Auto 0.43%

Top 30 by rate. 12 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 Volkswagen LT. 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.