mechanics.tradeExhaust system
Testers wrote exhaust system down 360,208 times during 2025, 25th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
360,208recorded in 2025
1.2%of all recorded defects
25thon the national list
What it is
The tester listens and looks for leaks along the system and checks it is properly held up. An exhaust noticeably louder than the manufacturer intended is a fault in its own right.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust system leaking or insecure | Major | 244,124 |
What you can do about it
A blowing joint often just needs a new clamp or gasket rather than a whole section. Rattles over bumps usually mean a rubber mounting has split, which costs very little to replace.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 1,259,310 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.