At a Glance
The Proton Compact has 29 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Compact (1994-2006) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 31K 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 Proton Compact 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
Proton Compact 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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Browse Proton Compact Generations
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Most Common Proton Compact MOT Failures
Every reason Proton Compact 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 | 15.35% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 10.82% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 6.35% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.04% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.78% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.34% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 5.24% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 5.00% |
| 9 | Parking brake condition | 3.30% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.03% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.72% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.52% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.38% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.14% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.05% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.99% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.87% |
| 18 | Fog lamp not working | 1.42% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.29% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.19% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.14% |
| 22 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.04% |
| 23 | Chassis condition | 0.94% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 0.88% |
| 25 | Driveshaft fault | 0.67% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.52% |
| 27 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.46% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.45% |
| 29 | Rear suspension fault | 0.34% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.30% |
| 31 | Steering free play excessive | 0.30% |
| 32 | Electrical switch fault | 0.27% |
| 33 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.27% |
| 34 | Airbag warning light on | 0.25% |
| 35 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.23% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 37 | Position lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.22% |
| 40 | Front suspension fault | 0.21% |
| 41 | Body security fault | 0.20% |
| 42 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 43 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.19% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.18% |
| 45 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 46 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.16% |
| 47 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.15% |
| 48 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.15% |
| 49 | Steering lock fault | 0.15% |
| 50 | Steering arm worn | 0.14% |
| 51 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.14% |
| 52 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.13% |
| 53 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 54 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.11% |
| 55 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 56 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 57 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 58 | Steering column fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 60 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.10% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 63 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.09% |
| 64 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 67 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 68 | Steering rack fault | 0.08% |
| 69 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 71 | Headlamp fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 74 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.07% |
| 75 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 76 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 77 | CV joint worn | 0.05% |
| 78 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 79 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.05% |
| 80 | Horn not working | 0.05% |
| 81 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 83 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 85 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 87 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 88 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 92 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 94 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.02% |
| 98 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 99 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 103 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 104 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 105 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 108 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 109 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 119 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 122 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 127 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Proton Compact MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Proton Compact, 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 Proton Compact problems?
Based on analysis of 31K Proton Compact MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 29 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering rack fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Proton Compact generation has the most problems?
The Proton Compact Compact (1994-2006) (1989–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (31). 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 Proton Compact?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Proton Compact owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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