At a Glance
The Austin Healey has 1 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Healey 3000 (1959-1967) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 11K 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 Healey 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 Healey 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 Healey Generations
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Most Common Austin Healey MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Healey 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 | 10.89% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.98% |
| 3 | Headlamp aim defect | 6.63% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 5.83% |
| 5 | Indicator fault | 5.20% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.52% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.37% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 3.17% |
| 9 | Horn not working | 2.91% |
| 10 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.80% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.46% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.33% |
| 13 | Front suspension fault | 2.28% |
| 14 | Parking brake condition | 2.28% |
| 15 | Spring mounting corroded | 2.20% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.20% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.11% |
| 18 | Brake pedal fault | 2.04% |
| 19 | Front lamp not working | 1.83% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.76% |
| 21 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.72% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 1.22% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.22% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.20% |
| 25 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 1.04% |
| 26 | Headlamp fault | 1.00% |
| 27 | Steering box fault | 1.00% |
| 28 | Brake fluid leak | 0.85% |
| 29 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.74% |
| 30 | Position lamp not working | 0.72% |
| 31 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.70% |
| 32 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.63% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.63% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.61% |
| 35 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.61% |
| 36 | Drag link end worn | 0.57% |
| 37 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.52% |
| 38 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.52% |
| 39 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.50% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.48% |
| 41 | Steering lock fault | 0.48% |
| 42 | Steering column fault | 0.41% |
| 43 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.39% |
| 44 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.37% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.33% |
| 47 | Steering operation fault | 0.33% |
| 48 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.28% |
| 49 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.28% |
| 50 | Speedometer fault | 0.26% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.26% |
| 52 | Brake caliper fault | 0.24% |
| 53 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.22% |
| 54 | Seat belt condition | 0.22% |
| 55 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.22% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.22% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.20% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.20% |
| 59 | Steering free play excessive | 0.20% |
| 60 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 61 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.17% |
| 62 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.15% |
| 63 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.15% |
| 64 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.13% |
| 65 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.13% |
| 66 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 67 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 68 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.13% |
| 69 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 70 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.11% |
| 71 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.11% |
| 72 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.11% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 74 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 75 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.11% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 77 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | Exhaust leak | 0.09% |
| 79 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.09% |
| 80 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.07% |
| 81 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Dip switch fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Driveshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 85 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 88 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 92 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 95 | Fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 96 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 99 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.02% |
| 100 | Leaf spring slipper worn | 0.02% |
| 101 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 103 | Steering damper fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Stub axle worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 106 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 109 | Wheel hub fault | 0.02% |
Showing all 109 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Healey MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Healey, 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 Healey problems?
Based on analysis of 11K Austin Healey MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 1 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 Healey generation has the most problems?
The Austin Healey Healey 3000 (1959-1967) (1959–1967) 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 Healey?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Healey owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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