Analysis of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data and 40,000 claims made to Warranty Direct, reveal that 36.8% of class three and four vehicles failed MOTs last year.

The faults which caused the majority of failures were lighting and signalling issues, suspensions and brakes.

Warranty Direct found that lighting and signalling defects were the most common reasons for MOT failures across the UK, with 19% missing the mark.

Electrical faults (which include lighting and signalling issues) also made up nearly 20% of all Warranty Direct’s authorised claims.

And the vehicles which experience the most electrical issues last year were Renault (38%), Seat (30%), Bentley (29%), Ford (24%) and Mitsubishi (23%).

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The second-most common cause for MOT failures were suspension faults, which accounted for 13% of tests where defects were found. Axle and suspension issues were another major source of claims for Warranty Direct.

Braking systems were the third biggest reason for cars not passing MOTs across the UK, making up 10% of all failure rates. Warranty Direct paid an average £369.15 for authorised claims made against braking systems.

While electrical improvements of newer cars can enhance performance and safety, they can cause more failures due to the complex nature of parts, it said.

Many smaller electrical faults could be avoided by owners carrying out maintenance more regularly between MOTs.

It said that indicator, tail and brake lights can be fitted for as little as £5 each, adding that it was worrying that many motorists were willing to take risks and drive vehicles with dangerous faults on the roads when many of these issues are easily detectable and cheap to fix.

Simon Ackers, CEO of Warranty Direct, said: “The most recent high MOT failure rates are of significant concern. The results indicate a large proportion of drivers are not taking the necessary safety measures when it comes to their vehicles, these costs could also be avoided with the purchase of an extended warranty, which covers failures to insured vehicle parts that are found during a service or MOT test.”