mechanics.tradeMalfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction
This was recorded 213,946 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 40 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
213,946recorded in 2025
40on the national list
1.0%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
Engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a major defect. What the categories mean.
Other things checked on the malfunction indicator lamp
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.