MOT advisory “Track rod end slightly misaligned” — meaning and what to do

This advisory means the tester found track rod end that is slightly misaligned — not bad enough to fail, but expected to need attention before your next MOT. It was recorded 2,473 times on UK certificates in 2025, making it one of the most common advisories in the country.
2,473Times recorded in 2025
SteeringVehicle system
AdvisoryDoes not fail the test

What the tester saw

MOT testers work from the DVSA inspection manual. For this item the manual wording is “track rod or drag link ends seriously misaligned”. In plain English: there is wear or deterioration on the track rod end that is currently within legal limits (defect category: Major). The tester is flagging it so you can plan the repair before it becomes a fail — or a roadside problem.

Do you need to fix it?

Not to stay legal today — an advisory does not affect the pass. But advisories are the tester telling you what will likely fail next time. Two sensible rules:

  • Safety-critical systems first. Steering advisories sit squarely in this group — book an inspection within the next month or two rather than waiting for the next MOT.
  • Buying a used car? Repeated advisories for the same item across several years of MOT history mean the owner has been ignoring it. Check the car’s full record with our free MOT history check.

Typical repair cost

Track rod ends around £60–£120 fitted; a steering rack gaiter £40–£80. Play in the steering advised today is a likely Major defect next year.

DIY check before the garage visit

Rule out related electronic faults yourself — a scan takes two minutes and saves a diagnostic fee.

Related steering advisories

Track rod end ball joint has slight play510,463 recorded in 2025 Steering rack has slight free play...83,034 recorded in 2025 Other components has slight seepage from a...56,046 recorded in 2025 Pipes and hoses slightly corroded43,912 recorded in 2025 Pipes and hoses has slight seepage39,198 recorded in 2025 Drag link end ball joint has slight play20,057 recorded in 2025

FAQs

Will “slightly misaligned” fail my next MOT?

Not automatically — it fails only when the wear crosses the legal threshold in the inspection manual. But this advisory is the most common precursor: if left unattended, expect it to become a Minor or Major defect at a future test.

Can I ask the garage to remove an advisory?

No. Advisories are part of the official test record held by DVSA and appear in the vehicle’s public MOT history. Fixing the item means it simply won’t be advised next time.

Does an advisory affect the car’s value?

Slightly, yes — buyers who check MOT history (which is free) will price in the pending repair. Fixing cheap advisories before selling usually pays for itself.

Frequency: DVSA anonymised MOT data, 2025 (Class 4). Wording follows the DVSA inspection manual. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.