At a Glance
Morris has 86 identified common problems across 13 models, with the Minor being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 242K 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 how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Morris common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 242K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Morris models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Morris Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 13 Morris models.
Minor
Most common: Suspension
Mini
Most common: Suspension
Oxford
Most common: Suspension
Marina
Most common: Suspension
Eight
Most common: Suspension
1100
Most common: Brakes
Cowley
Most common: Suspension
Ital
Most common: Suspension
1300
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Morris MOT Failures
Every reason Morris 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 | 9.73% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 7.97% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.72% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.24% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.17% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.15% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 3.84% |
| 8 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.58% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.56% |
| 10 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.55% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.53% |
| 12 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.26% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.96% |
| 14 | Chassis condition | 2.81% |
| 15 | Spring mounting corroded | 2.40% |
| 16 | Rear lamp not working | 2.39% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.07% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.66% |
| 19 | Steering rack fault | 1.61% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.51% |
| 21 | Horn not working | 1.43% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.41% |
| 23 | Front suspension fault | 1.37% |
| 24 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.15% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.14% |
| 26 | Driveshaft fault | 0.96% |
| 27 | Parking brake condition | 0.91% |
| 28 | Headlamp fault | 0.86% |
| 29 | Position lamp not working | 0.80% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.79% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.58% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.53% |
| 33 | Brake fluid leak | 0.49% |
| 34 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.48% |
| 35 | Brake pedal fault | 0.41% |
| 36 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.40% |
| 37 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.30% |
| 38 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.29% |
| 39 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 40 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.27% |
| 41 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.26% |
| 42 | Steering column fault | 0.25% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 44 | Electrical switch fault | 0.21% |
| 45 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 46 | Steering free play excessive | 0.21% |
| 47 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.20% |
| 48 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.20% |
| 49 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.19% |
| 50 | Steering lock fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 52 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.17% |
| 53 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.17% |
| 54 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.17% |
| 55 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.16% |
| 56 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 57 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.15% |
| 58 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.13% |
| 59 | Steering operation fault | 0.13% |
| 60 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.13% |
| 61 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 63 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.11% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.11% |
| 66 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.11% |
| 67 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 68 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.11% |
| 69 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 71 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 72 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.10% |
| 73 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.09% |
| 74 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 75 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.09% |
| 77 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.08% |
| 78 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 79 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 82 | Fog lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 83 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 85 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.07% |
| 86 | Speedometer fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.06% |
| 90 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 91 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 92 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.05% |
| 93 | Steering shaft fault | 0.05% |
| 94 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 98 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Towbar fault | 0.04% |
| 100 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 101 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.03% |
| 102 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 103 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 106 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Steering box fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Stub axle worn | 0.03% |
| 109 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 111 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.02% |
| 113 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 114 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 118 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 120 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 121 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 122 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 125 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 126 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Coil spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 137 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 142 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 146 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 151 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 154 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 155 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 163 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 164 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 167 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 172 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 172 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Morris MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Morris, 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 Morris problems?
Based on analysis of 242K Morris MOT tests from DVSA data, Morris has 86 identified common problems across 13 models. The Morris Minor has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Morris model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Morris Minor has the highest count with 57 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Morris models on UK roads. See the models grid for a 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 Morris?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Morris owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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