Almost 8% of vehicles tested by NCT this year were classified 'failed dangerous', new figures show

Cars deemed 'failed dangerous' will have a sticker stating their condition affixed to them by an NCT vehicle inspector, with motorists being advised they should have their vehicle towed away.

New figures show almost 8% of all vehicles submitted for a National Car Test (NCT) in the first half of 2026 were classified as dangerously defective — a total of 71,308 vehicles.

The proportion of cars deemed unsafe to be on public roads after being tested at the network of 50 NCT centres around the country is now at its highest ever rate of 7.7%.