At a Glance
The Austin Princess has 2 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Princess (1975-1981) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 5K 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 Princess 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 Princess 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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Help other Austin Princess owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Austin Princess Generations
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Most Common Austin Princess MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Princess 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 | 12.75% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.72% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.75% |
| 4 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.59% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 4.14% |
| 6 | Indicator fault | 4.14% |
| 7 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.58% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.40% |
| 9 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.40% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.38% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 2.98% |
| 12 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.96% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.84% |
| 14 | Chassis condition | 2.34% |
| 15 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.19% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.15% |
| 17 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.87% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.80% |
| 19 | Horn not working | 1.75% |
| 20 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.63% |
| 21 | Brake fluid leak | 1.55% |
| 22 | Steering rack fault | 1.38% |
| 23 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.26% |
| 24 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.18% |
| 25 | Front suspension fault | 0.99% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.86% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.84% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.81% |
| 29 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.79% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.74% |
| 31 | Position lamp not working | 0.67% |
| 32 | Parking brake condition | 0.62% |
| 33 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.59% |
| 34 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.57% |
| 35 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.54% |
| 36 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.47% |
| 37 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.44% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.39% |
| 39 | Brake pedal fault | 0.39% |
| 40 | Headlamp fault | 0.39% |
| 41 | Steering free play excessive | 0.39% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.39% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 44 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.37% |
| 45 | Suspension unit fault | 0.37% |
| 46 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.37% |
| 47 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.35% |
| 48 | Steering box fault | 0.35% |
| 49 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.32% |
| 50 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.32% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 52 | Fog lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 53 | Steering lock fault | 0.27% |
| 54 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.27% |
| 55 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.22% |
| 56 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.22% |
| 57 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.20% |
| 58 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 59 | Steering operation fault | 0.17% |
| 60 | Steering column fault | 0.15% |
| 61 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.15% |
| 62 | Body security fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.12% |
| 64 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.12% |
| 65 | CV joint worn | 0.12% |
| 66 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 67 | Power steering ram fault | 0.12% |
| 68 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 69 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 70 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.10% |
| 71 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.10% |
| 72 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 73 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.10% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.10% |
| 75 | Stub axle worn | 0.10% |
| 76 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 77 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 78 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Electrical switch fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 81 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.07% |
| 82 | Power steering pump fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.07% |
| 84 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.07% |
| 86 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 90 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.05% |
| 92 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 93 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 94 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 100 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.02% |
| 101 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 103 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 105 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.02% |
| 106 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
Showing all 107 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Princess MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Princess, 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 Princess problems?
Based on analysis of 5K Austin Princess MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 2 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 Princess generation has the most problems?
The Austin Princess Princess (1975-1981) (1975–1981) has the highest number of identified common problems (2). 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 Princess?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Princess owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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