At a Glance
The Austin Montego has 8 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Montego (1984-1995) being the most affected generation and suspension 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 Montego 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 Montego 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 Montego Generations
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Most Common Austin Montego MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Montego 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 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.81% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.71% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 6.60% |
| 4 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 5.66% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.27% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.46% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.43% |
| 8 | Chassis condition | 3.55% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.55% |
| 10 | Body corrosion or damage | 3.51% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 3.41% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.13% |
| 13 | Rear suspension fault | 2.88% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.49% |
| 15 | Front suspension fault | 2.32% |
| 16 | Rear lamp not working | 2.28% |
| 17 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.28% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 2.18% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.90% |
| 20 | Steering rack fault | 1.69% |
| 21 | Brake pedal fault | 1.51% |
| 22 | Driveshaft fault | 1.33% |
| 23 | Front lamp not working | 1.33% |
| 24 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.16% |
| 25 | CV joint worn | 1.05% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.05% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.95% |
| 28 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.91% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.81% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.77% |
| 31 | Electrical switch fault | 0.74% |
| 32 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.70% |
| 33 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.67% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 35 | Brake fluid leak | 0.56% |
| 36 | Parking brake condition | 0.56% |
| 37 | Track rod end worn | 0.56% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.53% |
| 39 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.46% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.46% |
| 41 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.42% |
| 42 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.42% |
| 43 | Steering free play excessive | 0.42% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.42% |
| 45 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.39% |
| 46 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.39% |
| 47 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.35% |
| 48 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.32% |
| 49 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.32% |
| 50 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.32% |
| 51 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 52 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.28% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 54 | Headlamp fault | 0.21% |
| 55 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.18% |
| 56 | Fog lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 57 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.18% |
| 58 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.18% |
| 59 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 60 | Body security fault | 0.14% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.14% |
| 62 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.14% |
| 63 | Power steering pump fault | 0.14% |
| 64 | Power steering ram fault | 0.14% |
| 65 | Suspension unit fault | 0.14% |
| 66 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.11% |
| 68 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 69 | Steering column fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Steering operation fault | 0.11% |
| 71 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 72 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.11% |
| 73 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.07% |
| 74 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.07% |
| 76 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.07% |
| 77 | Steering shaft fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 79 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.07% |
| 80 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 81 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Dip switch fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 85 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 89 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 91 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 92 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 93 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
Showing all 93 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Montego MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Montego, 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 Montego problems?
Based on analysis of 3K Austin Montego MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 8 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 Montego generation has the most problems?
The Austin Montego Montego (1984-1995) (1984–1995) has the highest number of identified common problems (9). 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 Montego?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Montego owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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