At a Glance
The Proton Gen-2 has 38 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Gen-2 (2004-2012) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 46K 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 Gen-2 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 Gen-2 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
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Browse Proton Gen-2 Generations
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Most Common Proton Gen-2 MOT Failures
Every reason Proton Gen-2 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 | 12.98% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.76% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 6.40% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 5.95% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.38% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.29% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.08% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.61% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.52% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.44% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.21% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.09% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 2.25% |
| 14 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.98% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.95% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 1.85% |
| 17 | Headlamp fault | 1.49% |
| 18 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.28% |
| 19 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.23% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 21 | Position lamp not working | 1.18% |
| 22 | ABS fault | 1.03% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.99% |
| 24 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.98% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.83% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.77% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 0.75% |
| 29 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.75% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.74% |
| 31 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.71% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.68% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.61% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.57% |
| 35 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.46% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.45% |
| 37 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.41% |
| 38 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.39% |
| 39 | Chassis condition | 0.39% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.39% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.37% |
| 42 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.35% |
| 43 | Horn not working | 0.33% |
| 44 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.32% |
| 45 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.31% |
| 46 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.31% |
| 47 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.29% |
| 49 | Airbag warning light on | 0.28% |
| 50 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.25% |
| 51 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.25% |
| 53 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.24% |
| 54 | Track rod end worn | 0.24% |
| 55 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.22% |
| 56 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.22% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.21% |
| 58 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.21% |
| 59 | Driver airbag fault | 0.21% |
| 60 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.18% |
| 61 | Brake fluid leak | 0.17% |
| 62 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.17% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.16% |
| 64 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.16% |
| 65 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 66 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.15% |
| 67 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 68 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 69 | Steering lock fault | 0.14% |
| 70 | Front passenger door fault | 0.13% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 74 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.10% |
| 75 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.10% |
| 76 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.10% |
| 77 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.10% |
| 78 | Driver door fault | 0.09% |
| 79 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 80 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 81 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.08% |
| 82 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 83 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 84 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 85 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 86 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Brake servo fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 90 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 92 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 93 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.03% |
| 95 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 99 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 101 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 104 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 109 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 113 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 122 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 127 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 134 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 137 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 145 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Proton Gen-2 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Proton Gen-2, 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 Gen-2 problems?
Based on analysis of 46K Proton Gen-2 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 38 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Proton Gen-2 generation has the most problems?
The Proton Gen-2 Gen-2 (2004-2012) (2004–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (48). 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 Gen-2?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Proton Gen-2 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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