Coil spring fractured or broken
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Coil spring fractured or seriously weakened”
- “Coil spring broken”
What it is
Coil springs hold the car up and absorb bumps. They can snap, often near the bottom coil, usually because of corrosion and age rather than any one event.
Why it matters
A broken spring can change the car's ride height and handling, and the broken end can damage a tyre. It's a fail, and in some cases a dangerous defect.
What to check when viewing a car
Look at whether the car sits level at each corner. Springs are usually replaced in pairs on the same axle. If a spring failed on an earlier MOT, ask what was replaced.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: suspension and steering
- Shock absorber leaking or worn
- Suspension arm ball joint worn
- Suspension arm pin or bush worn
- Anti-roll bar linkage (drop link) worn
- Anti-roll bar bush or mounting worn
- Steering rack gaiter split or damaged
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.