Horn not working
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Horn control not working”
- “Horn does not work”
What it is
The horn must work and make a sound loud enough to be heard.
Why it matters
It's a required warning device.
What to check when viewing a car
Press the horn. A fault is often a fuse, a connection or the horn unit itself.
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: seat belts, warning lights and other checks
- Seat belt damaged or not working
- Airbag (SRS) warning light on
- Oil leak
- Drive shaft CV boot split or damaged
- Fuel leak
- Battery insecure or leaking
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.