Brake hose ferrule corroded MOT advisory: what it means and which cars get it
In DVSA MOT data for 2023, analysed by RegTail, testers recorded this as an advisory on at least 0.3 in 100 initial MOT tests. The Vauxhall Vectra got it most often: recorded 4.3 times per 100 of its 39,116 tests.
DVSA wording: A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded.
What it means
The metal fitting (ferrule) crimped onto the end of a rubber brake hose is rusting. If it corrodes far enough it can weaken the joint between the hose and the pipe.
How serious it is
A major defect, so a fail, when excessively corroded, and dangerous if likely to fail. In 2023 it was recorded mostly as an advisory.
Source: MOT inspection manual for cars and light vans, section 1.1.12.
- Dangerous FailA direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Do not drive the vehicle until it's been repaired.
- Major FailIt may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Repair it immediately.
- Advisory PassIt could become more serious in the future. Monitor and repair it if necessary.
What fixing it usually involves
The hose is replaced as a unit, often with the pipe union it connects to, then the brakes are bled.
A general guide, not a quote: ask a garage to inspect the car.
Which models get it most
Per 100 initial MOT tests on each model, among the 52 models with at least 20,000 tests where it is among the 40 most common items. DVSA MOT data for 2023, analysed by RegTail.
| Model | Tests | Advisory |
|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Vectra | 39,116 | 4.3 |
| Saab 9-3 | 43,277 | 3.6 |
| Volkswagen Fox | 28,542 | 3.4 |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | 24,508 | 3.3 |
| Vauxhall Agila | 37,884 | 3.3 |
| Peugeot 206 | 58,647 | 3.2 |
| Peugeot 307 | 39,404 | 2.5 |
| Suzuki SX4 | 40,925 | 2.5 |
| Jaguar XJ | 25,292 | 2.3 |
| Fiat Punto | 72,390 | 2.3 |
What to check at a viewing
- On the carLook behind each wheel where the rubber hose meets the metal pipe for heavy rust or swelling at the fitting.
- In the MOT historyIf this appears as an advisory, see whether it came back at the next test or turned into a failure, and ask the seller for the receipt if it was fixed.
Check a specific car
Fleet averages only go so far. Enter the registration to see that car's own MOT history, mileage record and current condition, free.
Questions
What does "Brake hose ferrule corroded" mean on an MOT?
Brake hose ferrule corroded: is it an MOT fail?
Which cars are most likely to get "brake hose ferrule corroded" on an MOT?
More brakes defects
How these figures are made. We counted the defects recorded at every initial MOT test (not retests) of cars and light vans in Great Britain in 2023 in the DVSA anonymised MOT dataset, 33,842,940 tests in all. Each item counts once per test. A failure is a major or dangerous defect, including one fixed during the test. A model's rate is the share of its tests where the item was recorded.
For each model we keep its 40 most frequent items, so a model where a defect is rarer than that is not listed, and figures for all cars are a floor. Defect names and explanations are ours, checked against the MOT inspection manual; DVSA's own wording is shown under each name.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. RegTail's analysis of the DVSA anonymised MOT dataset, 2023 tests.