At a Glance
The Proton Persona has 29 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the C90 (1993-2004) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 151K 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 Persona 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 Persona 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 Persona Generations
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Most Common Proton Persona MOT Failures
Every reason Proton Persona 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 | 13.93% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 9.32% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 8.75% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.94% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.10% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.91% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.77% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.48% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 4.29% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.30% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.29% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.83% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.54% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.45% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.18% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.86% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.58% |
| 18 | Track rod end worn | 1.53% |
| 19 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.41% |
| 20 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.11% |
| 21 | Rear suspension fault | 1.01% |
| 22 | Seat belt condition | 0.87% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.81% |
| 24 | Driveshaft fault | 0.80% |
| 25 | Steering rack fault | 0.76% |
| 26 | Fog lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 27 | Horn not working | 0.63% |
| 28 | Chassis condition | 0.58% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.53% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.43% |
| 32 | Airbag warning light on | 0.34% |
| 33 | Position lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 34 | Electrical switch fault | 0.30% |
| 35 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.29% |
| 36 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.26% |
| 37 | Indicator fault | 0.24% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.24% |
| 39 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.23% |
| 40 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.21% |
| 41 | Front suspension fault | 0.19% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.19% |
| 43 | Steering free play excessive | 0.18% |
| 44 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.17% |
| 45 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 46 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.16% |
| 47 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.14% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 49 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 51 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.12% |
| 52 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 53 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 54 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.10% |
| 55 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 56 | Steering column fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 59 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.08% |
| 61 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 62 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.08% |
| 63 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 69 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 70 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 73 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 74 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 75 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 76 | CV joint worn | 0.05% |
| 77 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.05% |
| 78 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.05% |
| 80 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 83 | Headlamp fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 85 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 87 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 88 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 90 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 95 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 96 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 99 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 100 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.01% |
| 101 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 104 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 105 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 107 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 108 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 114 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 121 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 133 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 139 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 146 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
Showing all 149 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Proton Persona MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Proton Persona, 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 Persona problems?
Based on analysis of 151K Proton Persona 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 Persona generation has the most problems?
The Proton Persona C90 (1993-2004) (1989–2004) has the highest number of identified common problems (40). 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 Persona?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Proton Persona owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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