At a Glance
The Austin Maxi has 9 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Maxi (1969-1981) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 3K 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 Maxi 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 Maxi 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 Maxi Generations
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Most Common Austin Maxi MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Maxi 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.35% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 8.16% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.22% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.95% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 4.43% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.11% |
| 7 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.51% |
| 8 | Chassis condition | 3.41% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.24% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 3.03% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.86% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.81% |
| 13 | Horn not working | 2.32% |
| 14 | Front suspension fault | 2.27% |
| 15 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.16% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.05% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.95% |
| 18 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 1.46% |
| 19 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.46% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.41% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.35% |
| 22 | Brake fluid leak | 1.30% |
| 23 | Steering rack fault | 1.24% |
| 24 | Electrical switch fault | 1.19% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.19% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 1.19% |
| 27 | Suspension unit fault | 1.14% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 1.03% |
| 29 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.03% |
| 30 | Steering free play excessive | 0.92% |
| 31 | Exhaust system fault | 0.86% |
| 32 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.81% |
| 33 | Position lamp not working | 0.76% |
| 34 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.70% |
| 35 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.65% |
| 36 | Headlamp fault | 0.65% |
| 37 | Parking brake condition | 0.65% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.65% |
| 39 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.65% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.54% |
| 41 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.54% |
| 42 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.54% |
| 43 | Steering arm worn | 0.54% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.54% |
| 45 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.54% |
| 46 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.49% |
| 47 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.49% |
| 48 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.43% |
| 49 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.43% |
| 50 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.32% |
| 51 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.32% |
| 52 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.27% |
| 53 | CV joint worn | 0.22% |
| 54 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 55 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 56 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.22% |
| 57 | Spare wheel fault | 0.22% |
| 58 | Body security fault | 0.16% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.16% |
| 60 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.16% |
| 61 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.16% |
| 62 | Drag link end worn | 0.16% |
| 63 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.16% |
| 64 | Steering coupling worn | 0.16% |
| 65 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 66 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.11% |
| 68 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 69 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.11% |
| 70 | Steering shaft fault | 0.11% |
| 71 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake pedal fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake valve fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 79 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 80 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Steering damper fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 86 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 87 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.05% |
| 88 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
Showing all 89 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Maxi MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Maxi, 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 Maxi problems?
Based on analysis of 3K Austin Maxi 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 Maxi generation has the most problems?
The Austin Maxi Maxi (1969-1981) (1969–1981) has the highest number of identified common problems (10). 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 Maxi?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Maxi owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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