At a Glance
The Morris Marina has 8 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Marina (1971-1980) being the most affected generation and suspension 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 Morris Marina 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
Morris Marina 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 Morris Marina owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Morris Marina Generations
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Most Common Morris Marina MOT Failures
Every reason Morris Marina 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.73% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 6.03% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.88% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.09% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 5.09% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.03% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.88% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.88% |
| 9 | Chassis condition | 3.85% |
| 10 | Rear lamp not working | 3.33% |
| 11 | Body corrosion or damage | 3.21% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.12% |
| 13 | Indicator fault | 3.06% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.97% |
| 15 | Tyre condition | 2.76% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.76% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 2.36% |
| 18 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.09% |
| 19 | Front lamp not working | 1.91% |
| 20 | Front suspension fault | 1.82% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.76% |
| 22 | Steering rack fault | 1.33% |
| 23 | Electrical switch fault | 1.30% |
| 24 | Brake fluid leak | 1.12% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.97% |
| 26 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.91% |
| 27 | Position lamp not working | 0.88% |
| 28 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.88% |
| 29 | Steering free play excessive | 0.82% |
| 30 | Rear suspension fault | 0.76% |
| 31 | Horn not working | 0.70% |
| 32 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.70% |
| 33 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.58% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.58% |
| 35 | Brake pedal fault | 0.55% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.55% |
| 37 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.52% |
| 38 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.45% |
| 39 | Headlamp fault | 0.39% |
| 40 | Steering arm worn | 0.39% |
| 41 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.36% |
| 42 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 43 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.36% |
| 44 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.33% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.33% |
| 46 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.33% |
| 47 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.30% |
| 48 | Fog lamp not working | 0.24% |
| 49 | Steering column fault | 0.24% |
| 50 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 51 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.21% |
| 52 | Driveshaft fault | 0.21% |
| 53 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.21% |
| 54 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.21% |
| 55 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.18% |
| 56 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.18% |
| 57 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 58 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.18% |
| 59 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.18% |
| 60 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.18% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.15% |
| 63 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.15% |
| 64 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.12% |
| 65 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 66 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 67 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 69 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 71 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 73 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 75 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.06% |
| 76 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.06% |
| 77 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 79 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 80 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 81 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 82 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 83 | Stub axle worn | 0.06% |
| 84 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.06% |
| 85 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.06% |
| 86 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.06% |
| 87 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.06% |
| 88 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 91 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake slack adjuster fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.03% |
| 97 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 101 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 106 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 108 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 109 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
Showing all 109 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Morris Marina MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Morris Marina, 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 Marina problems?
Based on analysis of 5K Morris Marina MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 8 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Morris Marina generation has the most problems?
The Morris Marina Marina (1971-1980) (1971–1980) 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 Morris Marina?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Morris Marina owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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