mechanics.tradeShock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak
This was recorded 338,093 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 27 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
338,093recorded in 2025
27on the national list
1.6%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a major defect. What the categories mean.
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.