At a Glance
The Austin Maestro has 26 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Maestro (1983-1995) 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 Maestro 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 Maestro 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 Maestro Generations
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Most Common Austin Maestro MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Maestro 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 hydraulic component worn | 12.01% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.52% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.66% |
| 4 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.27% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.05% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 3.72% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.53% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 2.98% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 2.93% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.63% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.54% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.24% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.09% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.74% |
| 15 | Tyre condition | 1.68% |
| 16 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.65% |
| 17 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.57% |
| 18 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.49% |
| 19 | Chassis condition | 1.47% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.43% |
| 21 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.32% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.22% |
| 23 | Rear suspension fault | 1.21% |
| 24 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.19% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.16% |
| 26 | Front suspension fault | 1.13% |
| 27 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.91% |
| 28 | Electrical switch fault | 0.89% |
| 29 | Brake pedal fault | 0.83% |
| 30 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.80% |
| 31 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.69% |
| 32 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.66% |
| 33 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.66% |
| 34 | Parking brake condition | 0.64% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.63% |
| 36 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.61% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.53% |
| 38 | CV joint worn | 0.52% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.52% |
| 40 | Position lamp not working | 0.52% |
| 41 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.52% |
| 42 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.52% |
| 43 | Fog lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 44 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.44% |
| 45 | Seat belt condition | 0.36% |
| 46 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 47 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.33% |
| 48 | Steering column fault | 0.33% |
| 49 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.31% |
| 50 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.31% |
| 51 | Headlamp fault | 0.31% |
| 52 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.31% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.30% |
| 54 | Steering free play excessive | 0.28% |
| 55 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.27% |
| 56 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.27% |
| 57 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.25% |
| 58 | Steering rack fault | 0.25% |
| 59 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 60 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.22% |
| 61 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 62 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.19% |
| 63 | Steering operation fault | 0.19% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.17% |
| 65 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.16% |
| 66 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.16% |
| 67 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.14% |
| 68 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 69 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.13% |
| 70 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.11% |
| 71 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.11% |
| 72 | Suspension unit fault | 0.11% |
| 73 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 74 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.09% |
| 75 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.08% |
| 78 | Steering arm worn | 0.08% |
| 79 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 83 | Spare wheel fault | 0.06% |
| 84 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 85 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 86 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 87 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 89 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 90 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 93 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 95 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 97 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 98 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 99 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 100 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 107 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 115 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 116 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 117 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 118 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
Showing all 118 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Maestro MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Maestro, 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 Maestro problems?
Based on analysis of 11K Austin Maestro MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 26 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Austin Maestro generation has the most problems?
The Austin Maestro Maestro (1983-1995) (1983–1995) has the highest number of identified common problems (29). 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 Maestro?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Maestro owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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