FAULTY washer jets caused216,388 MOT failures in 2025, according to newly obtained data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

The figures, which equate to592 failures each day last year, were obtained by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request issued by eBay.

The DVSA figures suggest UK motorists are unaware that damaged or faulty washer jets could result in an MOT failure - and an eBay study into the subject supports this impression.

Windscreen washers help drivers maintain clear visibility, making them an essential safety part.

Despite this, more than one in 10 drivers admitted to never checking the condition of their washer jets, while 21 per cent said they only check them when they have an MOT or service booked.

Abir Tewari, UK director of commercial operations, parts and accessories at eBay, said:"Small and simple parts like washer jets can go under the radar and motorists should routinely check them as part of their regular vehicle maintenance, especially before longer journeys and the annual MOT test. This vital part caused a significant number of failed MOTs last year, all of which are preventable with a low-cost, simple fix using parts sourced through eBay."

A lack of confidence in fixing the issue appears could be part of the problem, with two-thirds of car owners (69%) not confident in their ability to replace and fix washer nozzles themselves.

Data from the DVSA also showed that incorrect alignment of washer jets accounted for 29,405 MOT failures in 2025, and in eBay's research more than half (some 58 per cent) of car owners did not know they run the risk of failing their MOT as a result - with 62 per cent admitting to not knowing how to re-align them correctly.