Exhaust insecure or mountings damaged
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Exhaust insecure”
- “Exhaust mounting missing or deteriorated”
What it is
The exhaust hangs from rubber mountings under the car. These perish, and brackets can corrode.
Why it matters
A loose exhaust can rattle, knock against the underside and eventually drag on the road.
What to check when viewing a car
Listen for rattling or knocking from underneath, especially over bumps.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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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: exhaust and emissions
- Exhaust leak
- Emissions over the limit
- Diesel smoke over the limit
- Engine warning light (MIL) on
- Catalytic converter missing or not working
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.