A door, bonnet or boot doesn't latch and stay shut as it should. On the bonnet, the secondary safety catch is also checked — that's the one that stops the bonnet coming up into the windscreen if the primary catch releases at speed.
Wording as it commonly appears on an MOT certificate: “Door or bonnet does not close securely”.
What does it mean?
A door, bonnet or boot doesn't latch and stay shut as it should. On the bonnet, the secondary safety catch is also checked — that's the one that stops the bonnet coming up into the windscreen if the primary catch releases at speed.
How serious is it?
Usually recorded as: Major, Dangerous. The tester assesses the actual vehicle on the day, so your certificate is what counts.
What normally causes it?
- A seized or dry latch mechanism, particularly the bonnet catch, which lives in the weather
- A stretched or seized bonnet release cable
- A worn striker plate or dropped door hinge
- Accident damage having moved a panel out of alignment
What a mechanic would check
Operate each latch several times and check it engages fully every time, not just once. On the bonnet, I'd release the primary catch and confirm the safety catch holds and then releases correctly. A good clean and lubricate fixes a lot of these.
What might need replacing
- Cleaning and lubrication
- A latch mechanism or striker
- A bonnet release cable
- Hinge or alignment work
Can you still drive it?
A bonnet that won't latch securely is potentially Dangerous — if it lifts at speed you lose all forward vision. Don't drive it until it's confirmed secure.
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This is general guidance from a UK mechanic, not a substitute for a physical inspection. Only the tester who inspected your vehicle can confirm what was recorded and why.