At a Glance
The Lancia Thema has 7 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Thema (1984-1994) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 2K 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 Lancia Thema 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
Lancia Thema 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 Lancia Thema owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lancia Thema Generations
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Most Common Lancia Thema MOT Failures
Every reason Lancia Thema 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 hydraulic component worn | 11.22% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.90% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.27% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 5.33% |
| 5 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.33% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.57% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 3.45% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 3.45% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.13% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 2.57% |
| 11 | Rear lamp not working | 2.57% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.32% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 2.26% |
| 14 | Parking brake condition | 2.01% |
| 15 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.88% |
| 16 | Indicator fault | 1.82% |
| 17 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 1.82% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.75% |
| 19 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.69% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.63% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 1.57% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 1.32% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 1.32% |
| 24 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.25% |
| 25 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.25% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 1.07% |
| 27 | Track rod end worn | 1.00% |
| 28 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.94% |
| 29 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.88% |
| 30 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.81% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.75% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.69% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.69% |
| 34 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.63% |
| 35 | Position lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 36 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.63% |
| 37 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.56% |
| 38 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.56% |
| 39 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.56% |
| 40 | Brake pedal fault | 0.50% |
| 41 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.50% |
| 42 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.50% |
| 43 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.50% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.50% |
| 45 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.50% |
| 46 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.44% |
| 48 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.44% |
| 49 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.44% |
| 50 | Steering rack fault | 0.38% |
| 51 | Brake fluid leak | 0.31% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.31% |
| 53 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.25% |
| 54 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 55 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.19% |
| 56 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.19% |
| 57 | Steering column fault | 0.19% |
| 58 | Steering operation fault | 0.19% |
| 59 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.19% |
| 60 | Body security fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 62 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 63 | Driver seat fault | 0.13% |
| 64 | Engine oil leak | 0.13% |
| 65 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.13% |
| 66 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 67 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.13% |
| 68 | Power steering ram fault | 0.13% |
| 69 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.13% |
| 71 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 72 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 73 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 74 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.06% |
| 76 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.06% |
| 77 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 78 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 79 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 80 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 81 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 82 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 83 | Rear suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 84 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 85 | Steering arm worn | 0.06% |
| 86 | Steering drive system fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.06% |
| 90 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.06% |
Showing all 90 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lancia Thema MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lancia Thema, 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 Lancia Thema problems?
Based on analysis of 2K Lancia Thema MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lancia Thema generation has the most problems?
The Lancia Thema Thema (1984-1994) (1984–1994) 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 Lancia Thema?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lancia Thema owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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