At a Glance
The Austin A35 has 9 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the A35 (1956-1968) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 9K 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 A35 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 A35 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 A35 Generations
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Most Common Austin A35 MOT Failures
Every reason Austin A35 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 | 9.92% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.64% |
| 3 | Suspension mounting corroded | 5.94% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 4.90% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.90% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.66% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 4.56% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.84% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.45% |
| 10 | Spring mounting corroded | 3.45% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 3.38% |
| 12 | Body corrosion or damage | 3.16% |
| 13 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.02% |
| 14 | Chassis condition | 2.97% |
| 15 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.75% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.93% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.79% |
| 18 | Parking brake condition | 1.74% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.67% |
| 20 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.57% |
| 21 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 1.45% |
| 22 | Brake pedal fault | 1.40% |
| 23 | Front suspension fault | 1.40% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 1.16% |
| 25 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 1.13% |
| 26 | Brake fluid leak | 0.92% |
| 27 | Steering box fault | 0.92% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.77% |
| 29 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.70% |
| 30 | Steering free play excessive | 0.68% |
| 31 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.65% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.65% |
| 33 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.60% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 35 | Steering lock fault | 0.51% |
| 36 | Steering operation fault | 0.51% |
| 37 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.48% |
| 38 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.48% |
| 39 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.46% |
| 40 | Drag link end worn | 0.46% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.43% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.39% |
| 43 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.36% |
| 44 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.34% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.34% |
| 46 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.34% |
| 47 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.29% |
| 48 | Headlamp fault | 0.29% |
| 49 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 50 | Seat belt condition | 0.29% |
| 51 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.24% |
| 52 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.24% |
| 53 | Steering arm worn | 0.24% |
| 54 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.24% |
| 55 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.22% |
| 56 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.22% |
| 57 | Brake lever fault | 0.19% |
| 58 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.19% |
| 59 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.17% |
| 60 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.17% |
| 61 | Steering column fault | 0.14% |
| 62 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 64 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.14% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 66 | Rear suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 67 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.12% |
| 68 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.10% |
| 69 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.10% |
| 70 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 72 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.07% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.07% |
| 74 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 75 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 76 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.07% |
| 77 | Stub axle worn | 0.07% |
| 78 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.05% |
| 81 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 84 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | 0.05% |
| 85 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Steering shaft fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 89 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.02% |
| 92 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 94 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 96 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 97 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 98 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.02% |
| 99 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.02% |
Showing all 99 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin A35 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin A35, 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 A35 problems?
Based on analysis of 9K Austin A35 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 9 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Austin A35 generation has the most problems?
The Austin A35 A35 (1956-1968) (1956–1968) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). 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 A35?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin A35 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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