CV joint boot split MOT failure: what it means and which cars get it
In DVSA MOT data for 2023, analysed by RegTail, testers recorded this as a failure on at least 1.1 in 100 and as a minor defect on at least 1.1 in 100 initial MOT tests. The Hyundai Getz got it most often: recorded 14.9 times per 100 of its 23,077 tests.
DVSA wording: A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated; A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc.
What it means
The rubber boot over a constant velocity (CV) joint on a drive shaft has split. It holds the joint's grease in, so once it splits grease flies out, dirt gets in and the joint wears.
How serious it is
Missing, split or insecure so it no longer keeps dirt out is a major defect, a fail. Severely deteriorated is a minor defect, which passes.
Source: MOT inspection manual for cars and light vans, section 6.1.7.
- Major FailIt may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Repair it immediately.
- Minor PassNo significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Repair as soon as possible.
What fixing it usually involves
A new boot and fresh grease if the joint is still good; a new joint or drive shaft if it has started to click.
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 124 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 | Fail | Minor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Getz | 23,077 | 7.1 | 7.7 |
| Citroen Dispatch | 52,335 | 7.8 | 6.9 |
| Citroen DS3 | 75,180 | 10.4 | 3.6 |
| Peugeot 207 | 159,030 | 9.3 | 3.7 |
| Peugeot Expert | 61,509 | 6.2 | 6.0 |
| Volvo V50 | 33,991 | 6.3 | 5.4 |
| Renault Kangoo | 59,516 | 7.1 | 4.1 |
| Peugeot 307 | 39,404 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Citroen Xsara | 35,042 | 5.7 | 4.3 |
| Volkswagen Fox | 28,542 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
What to check at a viewing
- On the carTurn to full lock and look behind the front wheels for split boots and grease sprayed around. On the test drive, a clicking noise on full lock under power means a worn joint.
- In the MOT historyIf this appears in past results, ask what was done and when, and for the receipt.
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 "CV joint boot split" mean on an MOT?
CV joint boot split: is it an MOT fail?
Which cars are most likely to get "CV joint boot split" on an MOT?
More suspension and steering defects
See every MOT defect we explain or MOT pass rates by model.
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.