Recorded in
1.2% 59% fail
of every MOT test in our data — 1,333,231 records across 1,946 models.
Visibility → Washer provides insufficient liquid
The Washer provides insufficient liquid MOT failure is recorded in 1.2% of all MOT tests in the DVSA data — 1,333,231 records across 1,946 models. A typical repair costs £5–£15. This page explains what the item means, how testers write it down, what a repair usually involves and Peugeot 407 records it most often for its size.
Fixed at the test
41%
were put right on the spot, so a fail was not recorded.
Typical cost
£5–£15
Usually a DIY or independent-garage job. Estimate, fitted where needed.
What Washer provides insufficient liquid means on an MOT
Washer provides insufficient liquid is an MOT inspection item in the visibility section of the manual. The tester records it when they see the condition the description names — here, when washer provides insufficient liquid. How serious it is — fail, minor or advisory — comes from the tester's grading in the DVSA record, not from this page.
How common is Washer provides insufficient liquid on an MOT?
Recorded in 1.2% of every MOT test in our data — 1,333,231 records across 1,946 models. That is 1% in every hundred tests, which puts Washer provides insufficient liquid in the middle of the items testers record.
Of the 1,333,231 records for this item, 58.7% of the records are a fail (Major or Dangerous), 41.3% were put right at the test and recorded as rectified.
What does it cost to fix Washer provides insufficient liquid?
A typical repair on this item costs £5–£15 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 Washer provides insufficient liquid most often
As a rate of each model's own tests, Peugeot 407 and Volkswagen Fox lead the list: Peugeot 407 records it on 3.9% 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 | Peugeot 407 | 3.9% | 35,494 | — |
| 2 | Volkswagen Fox | 3.9% | 104,121 | — |
| 3 | Vauxhall Astravan | 3.0% | 30,363 | — |
| 4 | Peugeot Bipper | 2.8% | 76,011 | 2.3× · year by year → |
| 5 | Nissan Primastar | 2.7% | 37,947 | — |
| 6 | Fiat Grande Punto | 2.5% | 25,466 | — |
| 7 | Mercedes-Benz Clc | 2.5% | 33,693 | — |
| 8 | Citroen Nemo | 2.5% | 54,480 | — |
| 9 | Fiat Fiorino | 2.4% | 31,353 | — |
| 10 | Nissan Pathfinder | 2.4% | 22,325 | — |
| 11 | Fiat Punto | 2.4% | 226,310 | — |
| 12 | Hyundai Getz | 2.4% | 76,810 | — |
| 13 | Renault Kangoo | 2.2% | 221,971 | — |
| 14 | Chevrolet Aveo | 2.2% | 35,342 | — |
| 15 | Vauxhall Corsa | 2.2% | 3,313,248 | — |
| 16 | Vauxhall Combo | 2.2% | 401,612 | — |
| 17 | Mercedes-Benz Citan | 2.1% | 76,454 | — |
| 18 | Volkswagen Lupo | 2.1% | 21,292 | — |
| 19 | Renault Clio | 2.1% | 1,261,250 | — |
| 20 | Ford Focus C-Max | 2.1% | 56,718 | — |
Which years of car record Washer provides insufficient liquid
| Year | Recorded in |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.6% |
| 2011 | 1.5% |
| 2012 | 1.4% |
| 2013 | 1.3% |
| 2014 | 1.2% |
| 2015 | 1.1% |
| 2016 | 0.9% |
| 2017 | 0.9% |
| 2018 | 0.8% |
| 2019 | 0.7% |
| 2020 | 0.6% |
| 2021 | 0.5% |
| 2022 | 0.5% |
| 2023 | 0.4% |
| 2024 | 0.3% |
| 2025 | 0.1% |
These are rates by year of registration from 2010 to 2025, 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 Washer provides insufficient liquid
How common is Washer provides insufficient liquid on an MOT?
It is recorded in 1.2% of all MOT tests — 1,333,231 records across 1,946 models.
Does Washer provides insufficient liquid fail the MOT or just get an advisory?
58.7% of the records for it are a fail, 41.3% 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 Washer provides insufficient liquid most often?
Peugeot 407 and Volkswagen Fox head the list, at a rate of each model's own tests — Peugeot 407 records it on 3.9%. Only models with at least 20,000 recorded tests are shown.
How much does it cost to fix Washer provides insufficient liquid?
Typically £5–£15 fitted, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. That is an estimate from reported prices, not a DVSA figure.
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