At a Glance
The Austin Metro has 23 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Metro (1980-1990) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 23K 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 Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro Generations
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Most Common Austin Metro MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Metro 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 14.96% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 14.60% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 9.53% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.56% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.57% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.14% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 4.86% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 3.36% |
| 9 | Front suspension fault | 2.88% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.83% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.24% |
| 12 | Parking brake condition | 1.99% |
| 13 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.93% |
| 14 | Rear suspension fault | 1.82% |
| 15 | Rear lamp not working | 1.66% |
| 16 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.31% |
| 17 | Seat belt condition | 1.27% |
| 18 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.93% |
| 19 | Horn not working | 0.87% |
| 20 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.66% |
| 21 | Steering coupling worn | 0.62% |
| 22 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.60% |
| 23 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.53% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.52% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.51% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 27 | Steering column fault | 0.49% |
| 28 | Tyre condition | 0.48% |
| 29 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.46% |
| 30 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.45% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.45% |
| 32 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.44% |
| 33 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.44% |
| 34 | Steering free play excessive | 0.39% |
| 35 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.39% |
| 36 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.36% |
| 37 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.35% |
| 38 | Headlamp fault | 0.33% |
| 39 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.32% |
| 40 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.30% |
| 41 | Chassis condition | 0.29% |
| 42 | Body security fault | 0.27% |
| 43 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.25% |
| 44 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.25% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 46 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.22% |
| 47 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.21% |
| 48 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.21% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.21% |
| 50 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.20% |
| 51 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 52 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.16% |
| 53 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.15% |
| 54 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.14% |
| 55 | Steering arm worn | 0.14% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.14% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 59 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 60 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 61 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 62 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 63 | Steering lock fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 65 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 66 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 67 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.08% |
| 68 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Suspension unit fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.07% |
| 72 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 74 | Passenger seat fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Steering shaft fault | 0.06% |
| 76 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 78 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering rack fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 82 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 84 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 88 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 89 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.04% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 93 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.03% |
| 94 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 95 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 96 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Indicator fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 100 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 104 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 107 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake pedal fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 112 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Electrical switch fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 115 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
Showing all 121 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Metro MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Metro, 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 Metro problems?
Based on analysis of 23K Austin Metro MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Subframe mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Austin Metro generation has the most problems?
The Austin Metro Metro (1980-1990) (1980–1990) has the highest number of identified common problems (33). 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 Metro?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Metro owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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