At a Glance
The Daihatsu Copen has 7 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mk1 (2002-2012) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 30K 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 Daihatsu Copen 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
Daihatsu Copen 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Daihatsu Copen owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Daihatsu Copen Generations
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Most Common Daihatsu Copen MOT Failures
Every reason Daihatsu Copen 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 | 17.75% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.89% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.44% |
| 4 | Suspension mounting corroded | 4.78% |
| 5 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.69% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.02% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 3.91% |
| 8 | Headlamp fault | 3.59% |
| 9 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 3.34% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 2.99% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.73% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 2.67% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.30% |
| 14 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.21% |
| 15 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.21% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.00% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.85% |
| 18 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.77% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.64% |
| 20 | Horn not working | 1.48% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.23% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.19% |
| 23 | Chassis condition | 1.16% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 1.15% |
| 25 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.96% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.93% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.91% |
| 28 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.80% |
| 29 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.80% |
| 30 | Track rod end worn | 0.79% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.74% |
| 32 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.70% |
| 33 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.69% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.69% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.64% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 37 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.56% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.54% |
| 39 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.44% |
| 40 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 0.35% |
| 41 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.27% |
| 42 | Driveshaft fault | 0.27% |
| 43 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.22% |
| 44 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.20% |
| 45 | Front suspension fault | 0.19% |
| 46 | Airbag warning light on | 0.16% |
| 47 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.16% |
| 48 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.16% |
| 49 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 50 | Parking brake condition | 0.13% |
| 51 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.12% |
| 52 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.12% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 54 | Rear lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 55 | Steering rack fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.09% |
| 57 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 58 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.07% |
| 59 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 60 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 61 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.05% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 63 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 65 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 66 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 68 | Brake pedal fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 73 | Brake caliper fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 77 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 81 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 82 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 88 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 89 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 90 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 91 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 94 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 95 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 96 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 103 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 104 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 105 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 106 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 106 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Daihatsu Copen MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Daihatsu Copen, 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 Daihatsu Copen problems?
Based on analysis of 30K Daihatsu Copen MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Daihatsu Copen generation has the most problems?
The Daihatsu Copen Mk1 (2002-2012) (2002–2012) 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 Daihatsu Copen?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Daihatsu Copen owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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