Section 5 codes
Tyre faults at MOT are coded to DVSA manual section 5
Published 18 June 2026 · Free read
Structured defect codes beat free-text — they make EV vs ICE tyre comparisons possible.
DVSA records tyre issues with reference codes rooted in section 5 of the MOT inspection manual — not vague descriptions alone.
That makes it possible to compare tyre failure rates between electric and comparable petrol models across large numbers of tests, focusing on major and dangerous severities.
Buyers care about tyres for safety and cost; clear MOT codes make age-band comparison possible at scale.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Section 5 codes” mean in this MOT fact?
- Structured defect codes beat free-text — they make EV vs ICE tyre comparisons possible.
Is this MOT statistic a reliability rating?
- No. These figures describe recorded UK DVSA MOT outcomes for makes, models, or age bands. They do not prove breakdowns, repair bills, or the condition of one private sale.
Where does this data come from?
- UK DVSA MOT test outcomes (public research summary).