At a Glance
The Proton Savvy has 35 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Savvy (2005-2011) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 34K 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 Savvy 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 Savvy 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 Savvy Generations
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Most Common Proton Savvy MOT Failures
Every reason Proton Savvy 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 | 14.95% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 10.06% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 9.37% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.09% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.40% |
| 6 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.94% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.49% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 3.85% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.70% |
| 10 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.47% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.43% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 2.69% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.67% |
| 14 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.51% |
| 15 | Parking brake condition | 1.85% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.83% |
| 17 | Driveshaft fault | 1.75% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.21% |
| 19 | Airbag warning light on | 0.77% |
| 20 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.76% |
| 21 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.67% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 0.61% |
| 23 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.60% |
| 24 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.46% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.46% |
| 26 | Brake performance below minimum | 0.44% |
| 27 | Steering operation fault | 0.44% |
| 28 | Front suspension fault | 0.40% |
| 29 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.40% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.39% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.39% |
| 32 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.38% |
| 33 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 34 | Headlamp fault | 0.32% |
| 35 | Brake caliper fault | 0.28% |
| 36 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.27% |
| 37 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.26% |
| 38 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 39 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.23% |
| 40 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 41 | Engine oil leak | 0.23% |
| 42 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.22% |
| 43 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.21% |
| 44 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.21% |
| 45 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.19% |
| 46 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.17% |
| 47 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Front passenger door fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Steering lock fault | 0.15% |
| 50 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 51 | Steering rack fault | 0.11% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 53 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 54 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 55 | Indicator fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Transmission oil leak | 0.09% |
| 57 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.09% |
| 58 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.08% |
| 60 | Exhaust leak | 0.07% |
| 61 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 62 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Driver airbag fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Passenger seat fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 68 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 69 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 70 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 71 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.05% |
| 72 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 76 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 77 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.04% |
| 79 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 80 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering box fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 86 | Additional braking device fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Wheel hub fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.02% |
| 95 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 96 | Horn not working | 0.02% |
| 97 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 101 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 103 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 112 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 115 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 121 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 121 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Proton Savvy MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Proton Savvy, 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 Savvy problems?
Based on analysis of 34K Proton Savvy MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 35 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Proton Savvy generation has the most problems?
The Proton Savvy Savvy (2005-2011) (2005–2011) 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 Savvy?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Proton Savvy owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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