At a Glance
Porsche has 66 identified common problems across 19 models, with the 944 being the most affected model and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 2.2M 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 Porsche common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 2.2M 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 Porsche 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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Porsche Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 19 Porsche models.
911
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Boxster
Most common: Brakes
Cayenne
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Cayman
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Macan
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
944
Most common: Brakes
Panamera
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
924
Most common: Brakes
928
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Porsche MOT Failures
Every reason Porsche 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.27% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 8.23% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.60% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.12% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.84% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.80% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.75% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.61% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.57% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.44% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.39% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.38% |
| 13 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.94% |
| 14 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.67% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.36% |
| 16 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.32% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 2.14% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 2.05% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.99% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.97% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 1.55% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 1.44% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 1.35% |
| 24 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.31% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.09% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.06% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.00% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.98% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.97% |
| 30 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.85% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.73% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.66% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.64% |
| 34 | ABS fault | 0.54% |
| 35 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.52% |
| 36 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.40% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.37% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.35% |
| 39 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.33% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.32% |
| 41 | Parking brake condition | 0.30% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.30% |
| 43 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.29% |
| 44 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.26% |
| 45 | Chassis condition | 0.25% |
| 46 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.25% |
| 47 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 48 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.23% |
| 49 | Rear suspension fault | 0.19% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.18% |
| 51 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 52 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.17% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 54 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.16% |
| 55 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.16% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 58 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.15% |
| 59 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.15% |
| 60 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.13% |
| 61 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 62 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 64 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.10% |
| 65 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 66 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 67 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 70 | Steering arm worn | 0.09% |
| 71 | Steering column fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.08% |
| 73 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 75 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 76 | Steering free play excessive | 0.07% |
| 77 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 78 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 79 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 80 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Driver airbag fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 88 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 94 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 96 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 98 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 99 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 103 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 109 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 111 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 112 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 114 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 115 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 120 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 121 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 122 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 126 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 147 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 158 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 162 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 169 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 173 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 180 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 182 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 183 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 185 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 186 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 189 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 189 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Porsche MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Porsche, 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 Porsche problems?
Based on analysis of 2.2M Porsche MOT tests from DVSA data, Porsche has 66 identified common problems across 19 models. The Porsche 944 has the most recorded problems. Brakes issues are the most common category.
Which Porsche model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Porsche 944 has the highest count with 36 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Porsche 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 Porsche?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Porsche owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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