MOT failure · RFR #30866
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
Total
4,706
Models
36
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.
Failure match · your reg
Does this failure affect your car?
Enter your reg and we'll check whether your model appears on the affected list — and where it ranks.
Want full MOT history, pass rate, and advisories? Use the reg checker →
Reg saved only in this browser; we never log it server-side. The lookup runs once against the official records each time you submit.
- 01 Volkswagen LT 3.09%
- 02 Talbot Express 2.82%
- 03 Reliant Robin 2.43%
- 04 MG 5 Excite 1.63%
- 05 MG ZS Excite EV 1.47%
- 06 Jeep Cherokee 1.42%
- 07 MG B GT 1.31%
- 08 Morris Minor 1.22%
- 09 Ford Capri 1.20%
- 10 Lotus Elan 1.20%
- 11 Land Rover 88 1.16%
- 12 MG ZS 1.02%
- 13 Morris Minor 1000 0.96%
- 14 MG B 0.75%
- 15 Renault Zoe 0.73%
- 16 MG ZS Exclusive EV 0.58%
- 17 Jaguar E Type 0.54%
- 18 Toyota C HR 0.53%
- 19 Infiniti Q30 0.50%
- 20 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 0.49%
- 21 MG 5 Exclusive 0.48%
- 22 Audi Rs4 0.43%
- 23 Maserati Levante D V6 Auto 0.42%
- 24 Lexus IS 0.37%
- 25 Ford Edge 0.26%
- 26 Alfa Romeo Giulia 0.25%
- 27 Triumph Unclassified 0.22%
- 28 Kia Niro 3 EV 0.22%
- 29 Rolls Royce Phantom 0.22%
- 30 Kia Stonic 0.18%
Top 30 by rate. 6 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.
Affiliate
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. UK 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.
My Motor World · affiliate
Parts & supplies for this fix
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Bosch
Bosch W5W 12V Longlife Daytime Performance Upgrade Car Multi-Fit Bulbs Twin Pack
£2.19
View at My Motor World →
Bosch
Bosch C5W 12V 5W Pure Light Car Licence Plate Bulbs Twin Pack
£3.29
View at My Motor World →
Bosch
Bosch 10W 12V Pure Light Car Interior Bulbs Twin Pack
£3.29
View at My Motor World →
Bosch
Bosch P21/5W 12V Pure Light Car Multi-Fit Bulbs Twin Pack
£3.29
View at My Motor World →
Click Mechanic · affiliate
Book a mobile mechanic
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Mobile mechanic · UK-wide
Book a mechanic at your door.
Fixed-price quotes upfront. No garage needed. Click Mechanic sends a vetted local mechanic to you — home, work, or roadside.