At a Glance
The Austin A40 has 3 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the A40 Farina (1958-1967) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 8K 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 A40 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 A40 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 A40 Generations
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Most Common Austin A40 MOT Failures
Every reason Austin A40 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 | 16.41% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.11% |
| 3 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.09% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 4.90% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.70% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.13% |
| 7 | Suspension mounting corroded | 4.02% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.00% |
| 9 | Indicator fault | 3.52% |
| 10 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.50% |
| 11 | Track rod end worn | 3.16% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 3.13% |
| 13 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.79% |
| 14 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.45% |
| 15 | Chassis condition | 2.45% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 2.13% |
| 17 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 2.04% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.00% |
| 19 | Horn not working | 1.84% |
| 20 | Front suspension fault | 1.70% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.61% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.45% |
| 23 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.29% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 25 | Brake fluid leak | 1.09% |
| 26 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.04% |
| 27 | Position lamp not working | 0.89% |
| 28 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.84% |
| 29 | Steering box fault | 0.79% |
| 30 | Headlamp fault | 0.61% |
| 31 | Steering lock fault | 0.57% |
| 32 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.52% |
| 33 | Steering operation fault | 0.48% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.45% |
| 35 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.45% |
| 36 | Steering free play excessive | 0.45% |
| 37 | Brake pedal fault | 0.43% |
| 38 | Steering arm worn | 0.39% |
| 39 | Drag link end worn | 0.30% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.30% |
| 42 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.27% |
| 43 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 44 | Seat belt condition | 0.25% |
| 45 | Steering column fault | 0.25% |
| 46 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.23% |
| 47 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 48 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.20% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 50 | Rear suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.18% |
| 52 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.16% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 54 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 55 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.14% |
| 57 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 58 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 59 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.11% |
| 60 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.11% |
| 61 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.11% |
| 62 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 64 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 65 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.09% |
| 66 | Steering rack fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.07% |
| 69 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.07% |
| 70 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 72 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.05% |
| 78 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Driveshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.05% |
| 86 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 87 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.05% |
| 89 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 91 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 103 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 105 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
Showing all 105 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin A40 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin A40, 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 A40 problems?
Based on analysis of 8K Austin A40 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 3 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spring mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Austin A40 generation has the most problems?
The Austin A40 A40 Farina (1958-1967) (1958–1967) has the highest number of identified common problems (3). 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 A40?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin A40 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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