At a Glance
The Austin Allegro has 11 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Allegro (1973-1983) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 5K 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 Allegro 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 Allegro 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Austin Allegro owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Austin Allegro Generations
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Most Common Austin Allegro MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Allegro 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 | Exhaust system fault | 5.76% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.59% |
| 3 | Indicator fault | 5.57% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.38% |
| 5 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.15% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.71% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.58% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 4.24% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.09% |
| 10 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.95% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.69% |
| 12 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.52% |
| 13 | Chassis condition | 2.95% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.85% |
| 15 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.72% |
| 16 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.41% |
| 17 | Tyre condition | 2.38% |
| 18 | Track rod end worn | 1.65% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.58% |
| 20 | Front suspension fault | 1.50% |
| 21 | Rear suspension fault | 1.44% |
| 22 | Horn not working | 1.35% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 1.20% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.14% |
| 25 | Steering free play excessive | 1.03% |
| 26 | Electrical switch fault | 1.01% |
| 27 | Position lamp not working | 1.01% |
| 28 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.01% |
| 29 | Brake fluid leak | 0.84% |
| 30 | Steering rack fault | 0.82% |
| 31 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.80% |
| 32 | Suspension unit fault | 0.78% |
| 33 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.74% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.70% |
| 35 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.70% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.70% |
| 37 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.63% |
| 38 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.59% |
| 39 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.57% |
| 40 | Parking brake condition | 0.55% |
| 41 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.44% |
| 42 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.42% |
| 43 | Brake pedal fault | 0.42% |
| 44 | Headlamp fault | 0.40% |
| 45 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.40% |
| 46 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 47 | Steering arm worn | 0.38% |
| 48 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.34% |
| 49 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 50 | Brake caliper fault | 0.27% |
| 51 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.27% |
| 52 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.27% |
| 54 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.25% |
| 55 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.21% |
| 56 | CV joint worn | 0.17% |
| 57 | Drag link end worn | 0.17% |
| 58 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 59 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 60 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.15% |
| 61 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.13% |
| 62 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.13% |
| 63 | Steering operation fault | 0.13% |
| 64 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.13% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.11% |
| 66 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.11% |
| 67 | Steering column fault | 0.11% |
| 68 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Steering shaft fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.08% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 76 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 77 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.06% |
| 78 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Speedometer fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 85 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 87 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.02% |
| 95 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.02% |
| 96 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 97 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 101 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
Showing all 102 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Allegro MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Allegro, 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 Allegro problems?
Based on analysis of 5K Austin Allegro MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Austin Allegro generation has the most problems?
The Austin Allegro Allegro (1973-1983) (1973–1983) has the highest number of identified common problems (13). 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 Allegro?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Allegro owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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