How much do MOT failure repairs cost?

Typical 2026 prices at UK independent garages, including parts, labour and VAT. Main dealers, premium brands, 4x4s and London will be at the top of each range or above it.

Checked against the MOT inspection manual and GOV.UK guidance · Updated November 2026

The test fee is the easy part The maximum MOT fee is £54.85, and most garages charge less. The real cost of an MOT is the repairs. Labour at independents is typically £50–£90 an hour; main dealers £120–£200+.

Lights and electrics

RepairTypical cost
Standard bulb£5–£20
Headlamp bulb£10–£40
Headlamp aim£10–£30
Headlamp unit£120–£600+
Battery£80–£180

Lights failure guide

Tyres

RepairTypical cost
Budget tyre fitted£50–£80
Mid-range tyre fitted£80–£140
Premium / large tyre fitted£140–£300+
TPMS sensor£40–£90

Tyre failure guide

Brakes

RepairTypical cost
Front pads£70–£150
Discs and pads (per axle)£150–£350
Caliper (each)£100–£250
Brake hose£50–£110
Brake pipes (full set)£250–£600
ABS module£400–£1,200

Brakes failure guide

Suspension and steering

RepairTypical cost
Coil springs (pair)£150–£350
Shock absorbers (pair)£150–£450
Wishbone / lower arm£100–£250
Drop link£40–£100
Track rod end + alignment£80–£150
Steering rack (recon)£350–£900

Suspension · Steering

Exhaust and emissions

RepairTypical cost
Back box£80–£250
Lambda sensor£80–£250
EGR valve£150–£600
DPF clean£100–£300
DPF replacement£600–£2,000+
Catalytic converter£300–£2,500

Emissions · Exhaust and leaks

Corrosion and structure

RepairTypical cost
Small welded patch£100–£300
Sill section (per side)£250–£600
Floor pan section£200–£600
Subframe£400–£1,200

Corrosion guide

Warning lights and restraints

RepairTypical cost
Diagnostic scan£40–£90
Airbag clock spring£80–£250
Seatbelt£80–£300
Airbag module£300–£1,000+

Warning lights · Seatbelts and airbags

Keeping the bill down

  • Get an itemised quote and a second opinion on anything over £200.
  • Ask whether quality aftermarket parts are an option – often much cheaper than dealer parts.
  • Do simple jobs yourself (bulbs, wipers, plates) and use the free next-day retest.
  • Combine jobs that share labour – e.g. springs and shock absorbers together.
  • If the total is heading past half the car's value, stop and run the numbers.

Related guides

Failed MOT and not worth fixing?

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