At a Glance
The Austin Seven has 0 identified common problems across 1 generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 21K 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 Seven 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 Seven 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Austin Seven owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Austin Seven Generations
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Most Common Austin Seven MOT Failures
Every reason Austin Seven 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 | 21.36% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 6.46% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 5.16% |
| 4 | Suspension mounting corroded | 4.93% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.34% |
| 6 | Chassis condition | 3.64% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.64% |
| 8 | Indicator fault | 3.29% |
| 9 | Exhaust system fault | 3.05% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.82% |
| 11 | Horn not working | 2.58% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.46% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.35% |
| 14 | Front suspension fault | 2.11% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.11% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.11% |
| 17 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.11% |
| 18 | Steering rack fault | 2.00% |
| 19 | Driveshaft fault | 1.53% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.53% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.41% |
| 22 | Brake pedal fault | 1.29% |
| 23 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.17% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.06% |
| 25 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.06% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.94% |
| 27 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.82% |
| 28 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.82% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.82% |
| 30 | Rear suspension fault | 0.82% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.82% |
| 32 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.70% |
| 33 | Brake fluid leak | 0.59% |
| 34 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.47% |
| 35 | Parking brake condition | 0.47% |
| 36 | Steering free play excessive | 0.47% |
| 37 | Brake lever fault | 0.35% |
| 38 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.35% |
| 39 | Steering column fault | 0.35% |
| 40 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.35% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.23% |
| 42 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.23% |
| 43 | Drag link end worn | 0.23% |
| 44 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.23% |
| 45 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.23% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 47 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.23% |
| 48 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.23% |
| 49 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.23% |
| 50 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 51 | Steering lock fault | 0.23% |
| 52 | Steering operation fault | 0.23% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.23% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | CV joint worn | 0.12% |
| 58 | Driver door fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.12% |
| 60 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 61 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.12% |
| 62 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.12% |
| 64 | Seat belt condition | 0.12% |
| 65 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.12% |
| 66 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 67 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.12% |
| 70 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 71 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.12% |
| 72 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.12% |
Showing all 72 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Austin Seven MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Austin Seven, 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 Seven problems?
Based on analysis of 21K Austin Seven MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 0 identified common problems across 1 generation. Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Austin Seven generation has the most problems?
We haven't identified significant problem patterns specific to any single generation of the Austin Seven yet — either this is a well-engineered model across all its generations, or the sample size per generation is still small. Check individual generation pages for MOT failure and advisory breakdowns.
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 Seven?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Austin Seven owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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