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Morris Minor
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

57 identified problems174 MOT failure types185K MOT tests analysed1948–1971

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Morris Minor has 57 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Electrical is the most common MOT failure category. The most serious issue flagged is Brake performance below minimum, rated as dangerous. Based on 185K MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Morris Minor — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Morris Minor MOT Pass Rate

Across 185K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Morris Minor (1948–1971) has a fail rate of 35.8%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

119K passed66K failed

Common Morris Minor Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemDangerousBrakes

27,117

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 4.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 49,040 mi

Suspension component mounting corroded

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

14,369

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 4.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 49,174 mi

Spring mounting corroded

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

11,589

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 17.5× the UK averageAvg mileage: 49,392 mi

Windscreen washer not working

ConsumableMajorBodywork

6,527

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.7× the UK averageAvg mileage: 49,286 mi

Indicator fault

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

6,495

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 12.4× the UK averageAvg mileage: 48,830 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Morris Minor, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

660 distinct problems · 281,167 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Morris Minor problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Morris Minor Minor (1948–1971), we have identified 57 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Electrical is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Morris Minor?

This generation has 185K MOT tests on record with a 35.8% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Morris Minor?

There are 174 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Minor (1948–1971), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Morris Minor?

Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Morris Minor owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.

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