At a Glance
The Proton Impian has 24 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Impian (2001-2011) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 22K 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 Impian 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 Impian 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 Impian Generations
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Most Common Proton Impian MOT Failures
Every reason Proton Impian 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 | 27.17% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.37% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.68% |
| 4 | Front lamp not working | 5.68% |
| 5 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.07% |
| 6 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.82% |
| 7 | Rear lamp not working | 2.81% |
| 8 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.54% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 2.31% |
| 10 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.10% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 1.84% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.77% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 1.48% |
| 14 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.47% |
| 15 | Steering rack fault | 1.43% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 1.39% |
| 17 | Horn not working | 1.30% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.21% |
| 19 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.19% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.13% |
| 21 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.09% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.01% |
| 23 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.92% |
| 24 | Brake pedal fault | 0.91% |
| 25 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.89% |
| 26 | Track rod end worn | 0.83% |
| 27 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.79% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.77% |
| 29 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.76% |
| 30 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.69% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.68% |
| 32 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.66% |
| 33 | Front suspension fault | 0.65% |
| 34 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.60% |
| 35 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.56% |
| 36 | Stop lamp not working | 0.56% |
| 37 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.53% |
| 38 | Brake caliper fault | 0.51% |
| 39 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.51% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.50% |
| 41 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.50% |
| 42 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.50% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.42% |
| 44 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.42% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.41% |
| 46 | Airbag warning light on | 0.36% |
| 47 | Electrical switch fault | 0.35% |
| 48 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.29% |
| 49 | Brake lever fault | 0.27% |
| 50 | Power steering ram fault | 0.27% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.26% |
| 52 | Steering lock fault | 0.26% |
| 53 | ABS fault | 0.24% |
| 54 | Front passenger door fault | 0.24% |
| 55 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 56 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 57 | Rear suspension fault | 0.23% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 59 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.20% |
| 60 | Chassis condition | 0.20% |
| 61 | Parking brake condition | 0.20% |
| 62 | Brake fluid leak | 0.18% |
| 63 | Indicator fault | 0.18% |
| 64 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.17% |
| 65 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.17% |
| 66 | Steering free play excessive | 0.15% |
| 67 | Suspension unit fault | 0.15% |
| 68 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.15% |
| 69 | Driver door fault | 0.14% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.14% |
| 71 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.14% |
| 72 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 73 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 74 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 75 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 76 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 77 | Steering column fault | 0.11% |
| 78 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 79 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 80 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.09% |
| 82 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 83 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 84 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 85 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 86 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 87 | Towbar fault | 0.09% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 89 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 90 | Exhaust leak | 0.08% |
| 91 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 93 | Fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 94 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 95 | Speedometer fault | 0.06% |
| 96 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 97 | Additional braking device fault | 0.05% |
| 98 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 99 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.05% |
| 100 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 101 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 102 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 103 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 106 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Seat belt condition | 0.03% |
| 108 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 109 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 110 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 111 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 112 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 114 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 115 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 117 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Steering damper fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 122 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 123 | Wheel hub fault | 0.02% |
Showing all 123 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Proton Impian MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Proton Impian, 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 Impian problems?
Based on analysis of 22K Proton Impian MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 24 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering rack fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Proton Impian generation has the most problems?
The Proton Impian Impian (2001-2011) (2001–2011) has the highest number of identified common problems (30). 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 Impian?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Proton Impian owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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