At a Glance
The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow has 19 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Silver Shadow (1965-1980) 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 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 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
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 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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Help other Rolls Royce Silver Shadow owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Generations
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Most Common Rolls Royce Silver Shadow MOT Failures
Every reason Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 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 | Exhaust system fault | 9.25% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.64% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 6.45% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.18% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.39% |
| 6 | Suspension mounting corroded | 4.45% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.53% |
| 8 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.40% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.10% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.07% |
| 11 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.79% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.51% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.43% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.14% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.08% |
| 16 | Chassis condition | 2.05% |
| 17 | Rear lamp not working | 2.03% |
| 18 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.75% |
| 19 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.69% |
| 20 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.66% |
| 21 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.46% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.36% |
| 23 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 1.21% |
| 24 | Fog lamp not working | 1.12% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.08% |
| 26 | Headlamp fault | 1.01% |
| 27 | Parking brake condition | 0.89% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.86% |
| 29 | Front suspension fault | 0.72% |
| 30 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.66% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.64% |
| 32 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.63% |
| 33 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.61% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 35 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.52% |
| 36 | Brake fluid leak | 0.51% |
| 37 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.51% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.49% |
| 39 | Driveshaft fault | 0.49% |
| 40 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.47% |
| 41 | Brake pedal fault | 0.42% |
| 42 | Drag link end worn | 0.41% |
| 43 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.40% |
| 44 | Electrical switch fault | 0.40% |
| 45 | Steering free play excessive | 0.40% |
| 46 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.37% |
| 47 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 48 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.36% |
| 49 | Steering coupling worn | 0.36% |
| 50 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.34% |
| 51 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.34% |
| 52 | Brake lever fault | 0.33% |
| 53 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.33% |
| 54 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.31% |
| 55 | Horn not working | 0.31% |
| 56 | Suspension unit fault | 0.31% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.27% |
| 58 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.27% |
| 59 | Power steering ram fault | 0.26% |
| 60 | Steering box fault | 0.26% |
| 61 | Steering rack fault | 0.24% |
| 62 | Steering lock fault | 0.22% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 64 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.16% |
| 65 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.16% |
| 66 | Engine oil leak | 0.15% |
| 67 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.15% |
| 68 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.14% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.14% |
| 70 | Power steering pump fault | 0.13% |
| 71 | Steering operation fault | 0.13% |
| 72 | Dip switch fault | 0.12% |
| 73 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 74 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 75 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 76 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 77 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 78 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 79 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.08% |
| 81 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.08% |
| 82 | Spare wheel fault | 0.08% |
| 83 | Steering column fault | 0.08% |
| 84 | ABS fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 86 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 87 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 88 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 89 | Speedometer fault | 0.07% |
| 90 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.05% |
| 91 | Brake valve fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 93 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 94 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 95 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.04% |
| 96 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 100 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 101 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 102 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 103 | Steering drive system fault | 0.04% |
| 104 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 105 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 106 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.04% |
| 107 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 108 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 109 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 110 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 111 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 112 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 113 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 114 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 119 | Steering damper fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 121 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 123 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 125 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.01% |
| 126 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.01% |
| 128 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 129 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.01% |
| 130 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 132 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 133 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 134 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 135 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.01% |
| 136 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 137 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.01% |
| 138 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 139 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
Showing all 139 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, 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 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow problems?
Based on analysis of 31K Rolls Royce Silver Shadow MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Rolls Royce Silver Shadow generation has the most problems?
The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Silver Shadow (1965-1980) (1965–1980) has the highest number of identified common problems (24). 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 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Rolls Royce Silver Shadow owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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