What does 6.2.1 mean on an MOT certificate?

It refers to sub-section 6.2.1 of the MOT inspection manual, "Body condition", within section 6, body, structure and attachments. The letter or letters after it — (a), (b)(i) and so on — identify the specific defect from the 9 listed here. 4 of them are graded Dangerous, 5 Major and 0 Minor.

Which body condition defect is recorded most often?

"A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure" (6.2.1 (a)(i)), recorded about 0.0 times per 100 failed MOT tests nationally. We explain what it means and what puts it right.

Does a Minor defect fail the MOT?

No. a defect with no significant effect on safety or the environment. Recorded on the certificate; the vehicle passes. Major and Dangerous defects fail. A Dangerous defect also means the car must not be driven until it is repaired.

Section 6 · Body, structure and attachments

6.2.1 Body condition

Manual indexed 3 September 2026

Quick answer

Sub-section 6.2.1 of the MOT inspection manual covers body condition and lists 9 defects, 4 of them Dangerous. A reference like "(6.2.1 (a)(i))" on a certificate points to the matching row below. The most recorded is "A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure", about 0.0 times per 100 failed tests.

Official wording

The defect clauses

6.2.1 (a)(i)Majorunder 0.1 per 100 fails
A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure
Body has a sharp edge likely to cause injury explained: what it means and what puts it right
6.2.1 (a)(ii)Dangerousunder 0.1 per 100 fails
A body panel or body component likely to become detached
Body has a sharp edge likely to cause injury explained: what it means and what puts it right
6.2.1 (b)(i)Major
A body pillar insecure
Body has a sharp edge likely to cause injury explained: what it means and what puts it right
6.2.1 (b)(ii)Dangerous
A body pillar so insecure that load stability or security likely to be seriously impaired
Body has a sharp edge likely to cause injury explained: what it means and what puts it right
6.2.1 (c)(i)Major
The passenger compartment in such a condition that it permits the entry of exhaust fumes
6.2.1 (c)(ii)Dangerous
The passenger compartment in such a condition that exhaust fumes lead to a danger to health of persons on board
6.2.1 (d)(i)Major
Body has an unsafe modification
6.2.1 (d)(ii)Dangerous
Body modification likely to adversely affect braking or steering
6.2.1 (e)Majorunder 0.1 per 100 fails
A bootlid, tailgate, dropside, loading door or access panel cannot be secured in the closed position
Door or boot will not close securely explained: what it means and what puts it right

Wording and categories reproduced from the DVSA inspection manual under the Open Government Licence. Frequencies are items per 100 failed class 4 tests across the DVSA anonymised MOT dataset; a clause with no figure was not recorded often enough to appear in any model’s top forty failure items. 5 of 9 clauses link to our own explanation.

Grading

What the categories mean

Dangerous: a direct and immediate risk to road safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and must not be driven until repaired, even to a garage.
Major: a defect that affects safety, the environment or other road users. The vehicle fails.
Minor: a defect with no significant effect on safety or the environment. Recorded on the certificate; the vehicle passes.

The full guide to defect grading

Section 6

Other sub-sections of body, structure and attachments

6.1.1General condition
6.1.2Exhaust system
6.1.3Fuel system
6.1.4Bumpers
6.1.5Spare wheel carrier (if fitted)
6.1.6Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment
6.1.7Transmission
6.1.8Engine mountings
6.2.2Cab and body mounting
6.2.3Doors and door catches
6.2.4Floor
6.2.5Driver’s seat
6.2.6Passenger seats
6.2.7Driving controls
6.2.8Cab steps (if fitted)
6.2.12Handgrips and footrests

All sections of the manual

Common questions

What does 6.2.1 mean on an MOT certificate?: It refers to sub-section 6.2.1 of the MOT inspection manual, "Body condition", within section 6, body, structure and attachments. The letter or letters after it — (a), (b)(i) and so on — identify the specific defect from the 9 listed here. 4 of them are graded Dangerous, 5 Major and 0 Minor.
Which body condition defect is recorded most often?: "A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure" (6.2.1 (a)(i)), recorded about 0.0 times per 100 failed MOT tests nationally. We explain what it means and what puts it right.
Does a Minor defect fail the MOT?: No. a defect with no significant effect on safety or the environment. Recorded on the certificate; the vehicle passes. Major and Dangerous defects fail. A Dangerous defect also means the car must not be driven until it is repaired.