00:49 07-02-2026

UK 2025 car inspection failure rates: electric vehicles top list

Analysis of UK car inspection failures in 2025 shows Mercedes EQC, Tesla Model Y, and Model 3 with high rates. Learn why and what it means for used EV buyers.

In the UK, results have been published from an analysis of cars undergoing their first mandatory technical inspection in 2025. The data was obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) through a freedom of information request. The study only included passenger cars that recorded at least 100 failures.

Leading the anti-ranking was the electric crossover Mercedes-Benz EQC, with 17.2% of vehicles failing their first test—717 failures out of 4,179 inspections. The list also featured the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3. The Model Y showed a failure rate of 14.8% across over 19,000 tests, while the Model 3 recorded 14.6% from 13,000 inspections.

The top 20 also included electric vehicles like the BMW i4, Citroën e-C4, and Mercedes-Benz EQB, along with internal combustion models such as the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Ford Tourneo, and others. Experts note that failing the technical inspection doesn't necessarily indicate serious breakdowns; more often, the causes relate to wear on tires, brakes, suspension, or visibility issues.

According to CarVertical representatives, three-year-old cars might look new, but real-world use quickly affects their condition. This is particularly important to consider when buying used vehicles, including popular electric cars, which are inspected to the same standards as petrol and diesel models.