At a Glance
The Porsche 356 has 0 identified common problems across 4 generations and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 4K 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 Porsche 356 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
Porsche 356 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Porsche 356 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Porsche 356 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Pre-A
Most common MOT failure: Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn
356A
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
356B
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
356C
Most common MOT failure: Stop lamp not working
Most Common Porsche 356 MOT Failures
Every reason Porsche 356 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 | 10.90% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 9.24% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 8.06% |
| 4 | Indicator fault | 7.49% |
| 5 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.97% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.69% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.17% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.08% |
| 9 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.60% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.41% |
| 11 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 3.18% |
| 12 | Horn not working | 3.13% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.80% |
| 14 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.42% |
| 15 | Front suspension fault | 2.09% |
| 16 | Rear lamp not working | 2.04% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.61% |
| 18 | Chassis condition | 1.56% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.37% |
| 20 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 1.14% |
| 21 | Tyre condition | 1.09% |
| 22 | Rear suspension fault | 1.04% |
| 23 | Track rod end worn | 1.00% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.85% |
| 25 | Steering lock fault | 0.85% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 27 | Exhaust system fault | 0.62% |
| 28 | Headlamp fault | 0.62% |
| 29 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 0.62% |
| 30 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.57% |
| 31 | Steering operation fault | 0.57% |
| 32 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.52% |
| 33 | Brake fluid leak | 0.52% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.43% |
| 35 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.43% |
| 36 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.43% |
| 37 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 38 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.33% |
| 39 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.28% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.28% |
| 41 | Brake pedal fault | 0.24% |
| 42 | Driveshaft fault | 0.24% |
| 43 | Seat belt condition | 0.24% |
| 44 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.19% |
| 45 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.19% |
| 46 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.19% |
| 47 | Steering box fault | 0.19% |
| 48 | Steering column fault | 0.19% |
| 49 | Steering damper fault | 0.19% |
| 50 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.19% |
| 51 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 52 | Driver seat fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.14% |
| 54 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.14% |
| 55 | Steering arm worn | 0.14% |
| 56 | Steering free play excessive | 0.14% |
| 57 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 58 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.14% |
| 59 | Steering coupling worn | 0.14% |
| 60 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.09% |
| 64 | Dip switch fault | 0.09% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 67 | Stub axle worn | 0.09% |
| 68 | Wheel hub fault | 0.09% |
| 69 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 70 | Additional braking device fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 78 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Steering rack fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
Showing all 82 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Porsche 356 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Porsche 356, 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 356 problems?
Based on analysis of 4K Porsche 356 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 0 identified common problems across 4 generations. Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Porsche 356 generation has the most problems?
We haven't identified significant problem patterns specific to any single generation of the Porsche 356 yet — either this is a well-engineered model across all its generations, or the sample size per generation is still small. Check individual generation pages for MOT failure and advisory breakdowns.
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 356?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Porsche 356 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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