Recorded in
1.2% 65% fail
of every MOT test in our data — 1,341,566 records across 1,463 models.
Lamps & electrics → Headlamp not working
The Headlamp not working MOT failure is recorded in 1.2% of all MOT tests in the DVSA data — 1,341,566 records across 1,463 models. A typical repair costs £5–£25. This page explains what the item means, how testers write it down, what a repair usually involves and Hyundai I800 records it most often for its size.
Fixed at the test
35%
were put right on the spot, so a fail was not recorded.
Typical cost
£5–£25
Usually a DIY or independent-garage job. Estimate, fitted where needed.
What Headlamp not working means on an MOT
Headlamp not working is an MOT inspection item in the lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment section of the manual. The tester records it when they see the condition the description names — here, when headlamp not working. A headlamp must light as intended and be aimed within the manual's beam-setter limits; aim and condition are both checked. The failure is reported against that rule, so the page uses the tester's own wording.
How common is Headlamp not working on an MOT?
Recorded in 1.2% of every MOT test in our data — 1,341,566 records across 1,463 models. That is 1% in every hundred tests, which puts Headlamp not working in the middle of the items testers record.
Of the 1,341,566 records for this item, 65.0% of the records are a fail (Major or Dangerous), 35.0% were put right at the test and recorded as rectified.
Other things testers write about this item
Testers do not all write the same thing. These are the exact DVSA strings from the records for this item, each with how many tests it was written on — the page's keyword vocabulary comes straight from them.
- Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect — 1,208,751 records
- Headlamp not working on main beam — 218,075 records
- Switch does not immediately illuminate all dipped beam headlamps — 2,435 records
- Dipswitch does not operate immediately when selected on dipped beam — 1,899 records
- Dipswitch operation does not deflect all main beam headlamps to make them dipped beams — 1,388 records
What does it cost to fix Headlamp not working?
A typical repair on this item costs £5–£25 at UK prices, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. The bracket is our estimate from reported prices and parts, rather than a DVSA figure — see how it is built on the method page.
How the price brackets are built · full repair cost list · add it to your fail-sheet total.
Models that record Headlamp not working most often
As a rate of each model's own tests, Hyundai I800 and Chevrolet Captiva lead the list: Hyundai I800 records it on 4.9% of its tests. The rate, not the volume, is what matters here — a model with 20,000 tests can outrank one with a million.
| # | Model | Rate | Tests | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai I800 | 4.9% | 29,941 | — |
| 2 | Chevrolet Captiva | 4.2% | 23,583 | — |
| 3 | Peugeot 207 | 4.0% | 541,214 | — |
| 4 | Peugeot 307 | 3.6% | 121,498 | — |
| 5 | Citroen DS3 | 3.4% | 290,266 | — |
| 6 | Renault Kadjar | 3.3% | 237,203 | — |
| 7 | Chevrolet Spark | 3.2% | 56,981 | — |
| 8 | Renault Modus | 3.1% | 49,465 | — |
| 9 | Citroen Dispatch | 3.0% | 180,027 | 2.5× · year by year → |
| 10 | Chevrolet Matiz | 3.0% | 40,193 | — |
| 11 | Jeep Cherokee | 2.9% | 30,409 | — |
| 12 | Nissan Almera | 2.9% | 54,229 | — |
| 13 | Citroen Berlingo | 2.9% | 696,815 | 2.4× · year by year → |
| 14 | Peugeot Partner | 2.8% | 564,170 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 15 | Dacia Duster | 2.8% | 234,849 | — |
| 16 | Renault Megane | 2.8% | 411,704 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 17 | Alfa Romeo Mito | 2.8% | 73,057 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 18 | Nissan NV200 | 2.8% | 100,010 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 19 | Honda Accord | 2.7% | 95,487 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 20 | Chevrolet Aveo | 2.7% | 35,342 | — |
Which years of car record Headlamp not working
| Year | Recorded in |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.9% |
| 2011 | 1.7% |
| 2012 | 1.6% |
| 2013 | 1.6% |
| 2014 | 1.4% |
| 2015 | 1.1% |
| 2016 | 0.9% |
| 2017 | 0.8% |
| 2018 | 0.7% |
| 2019 | 0.6% |
| 2020 | 0.3% |
| 2021 | 0.3% |
| 2022 | 0.2% |
| 2023 | 0.1% |
| 2024 | 0.1% |
These are rates by year of registration from 2010 to 2024, not year of test, so the curve mostly reflects age — a recent car has barely been to a test station. Compare models at the same age instead.
Frequently asked questions about Headlamp not working
How common is Headlamp not working on an MOT?
It is recorded in 1.2% of all MOT tests — 1,341,566 records across 1,463 models.
Does Headlamp not working fail the MOT or just get an advisory?
65.0% of the records for it are a fail, 35.0% were fixed at the test, 0.0% are minor and 0.0% are advisories. In short, it is a fail (Major or Dangerous) most of the time.
Which cars record Headlamp not working most often?
Hyundai I800 and Chevrolet Captiva head the list, at a rate of each model's own tests — Hyundai I800 records it on 4.9%. Only models with at least 20,000 recorded tests are shown.
How much does it cost to fix Headlamp not working?
Typically £5–£25 fitted, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. That is an estimate from reported prices, not a DVSA figure.
All 83 common MOT failures → Repair cost list → Failed your MOT? What now →