At a Glance
The Austin A30 has 1 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the A30 (1951-1956) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 4K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Austin A30 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Austin A30 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Austin A30 Generations
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Most Common Austin A30 MOT Failures
Every reason Austin A30 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake performance below minimum | 14.74% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.75% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.45% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 4.68% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.64% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 3.77% |
| 7 | Spring mounting corroded | 3.63% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.63% |
| 9 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.47% |
| 10 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.33% |
| 11 | Body corrosion or damage | 3.10% |
| 12 | Chassis condition | 3.03% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.93% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 2.86% |
| 15 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.66% |
| 16 | Semaphore indicator fault | 2.39% |
| 17 | Horn not working | 2.36% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 2.25% |
| 19 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 1.85% |
| 20 | Front lamp not working | 1.68% |
| 21 | Track rod end worn | 1.55% |
| 22 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 1.28% |
| 23 | Parking brake condition | 1.28% |
| 24 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.24% |
| 25 | Brake fluid leak | 1.18% |
| 26 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.04% |
| 27 | Brake pedal fault | 0.98% |
| 28 | Front suspension fault | 0.94% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.94% |
| 30 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.77% |
| 31 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.64% |
| 32 | Steering operation fault | 0.54% |
| 33 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.54% |
| 34 | Steering lock fault | 0.47% |
| 35 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.44% |
| 36 | Steering box fault | 0.44% |
| 37 | Drag link end worn | 0.40% |
| 38 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.40% |
| 39 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.37% |
| 40 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.37% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.37% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.30% |
| 43 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.27% |
| 44 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.27% |
| 45 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.24% |
| 46 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.24% |
| 47 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.20% |
| 49 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.20% |
| 50 | Steering arm worn | 0.20% |
| 51 | Steering free play excessive | 0.20% |
| 52 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.20% |
| 53 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.17% |
| 54 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 55 | Driveshaft fault | 0.17% |
| 56 | Headlamp fault | 0.17% |
| 57 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 58 | Position lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 59 | Steering column fault | 0.13% |
| 60 | Steering rack fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.13% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 63 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 66 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.10% |
| 67 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 69 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 70 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.07% |
| 71 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | 0.07% |
| 72 | Rear suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.07% |
| 74 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 75 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.07% |
| 76 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Seat belt condition | 0.03% |
| 83 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.03% |
| 85 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.03% |
| 86 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 90 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 91 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
Showing all 91 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin A30 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin A30, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Austin A30 problems?
Based on analysis of 4K Austin A30 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 1 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spring mounting corroded". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Austin A30 generation has the most problems?
The Austin A30 A30 (1951-1956) (1951–1956) has the highest number of identified common problems (1). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Austin A30?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin A30 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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