At a Glance
The Rolls Royce Silver Spirit has 23 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Silver Spirit (1980-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 30K 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 Spirit 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 Spirit 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
Help other Rolls Royce Silver Spirit owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Rolls Royce Silver Spirit MOT Failures
Every reason Rolls Royce Silver Spirit 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.16% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.91% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.64% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.04% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 5.35% |
| 6 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 5.22% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 4.80% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.90% |
| 9 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.17% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.12% |
| 11 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.10% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.70% |
| 13 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.56% |
| 14 | Rear lamp not working | 2.29% |
| 15 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.05% |
| 16 | Fog lamp not working | 1.99% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.86% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.78% |
| 19 | Tyre condition | 1.78% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.51% |
| 21 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.48% |
| 22 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.41% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 1.17% |
| 24 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.10% |
| 25 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.08% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 1.01% |
| 27 | ABS fault | 0.80% |
| 28 | Front suspension fault | 0.77% |
| 29 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.67% |
| 30 | Brake lever fault | 0.64% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.63% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.59% |
| 33 | Power steering ram fault | 0.53% |
| 34 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.37% |
| 35 | Electrical switch fault | 0.37% |
| 36 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.35% |
| 37 | Steering lock fault | 0.35% |
| 38 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.35% |
| 39 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.34% |
| 40 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.33% |
| 41 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.32% |
| 42 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 43 | Steering free play excessive | 0.25% |
| 44 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 45 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.22% |
| 46 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.21% |
| 47 | Driver seat fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.20% |
| 49 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.19% |
| 50 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.19% |
| 51 | Steering arm worn | 0.19% |
| 52 | Steering coupling worn | 0.19% |
| 53 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.18% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 56 | Dip switch fault | 0.17% |
| 57 | Driveshaft fault | 0.16% |
| 58 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.16% |
| 59 | Indicator fault | 0.16% |
| 60 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.15% |
| 61 | Headlamp fault | 0.14% |
| 62 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.14% |
| 63 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 64 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 65 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 66 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.12% |
| 67 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.12% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 69 | Power steering pump fault | 0.12% |
| 70 | Steering operation fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 72 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.10% |
| 73 | Steering rack fault | 0.10% |
| 74 | Brake valve fault | 0.09% |
| 75 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 76 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.08% |
| 77 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.08% |
| 78 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 79 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Propshaft fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Transmission oil leak | 0.07% |
| 84 | Airbag warning light on | 0.07% |
| 85 | Parking brake condition | 0.07% |
| 86 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 87 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 88 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 89 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 90 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 91 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.05% |
| 94 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 95 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 96 | Steering box fault | 0.05% |
| 97 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 98 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.05% |
| 99 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 100 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 101 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 102 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 103 | Universal joint worn | 0.04% |
| 104 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 105 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 107 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.03% |
| 108 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 114 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 116 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 117 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 122 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 123 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 125 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Seat belt condition | <0.01% |
| 127 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 130 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Tyre valve stem damaged | <0.01% |
Showing all 131 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Rolls Royce Silver Spirit MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, 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 Spirit problems?
Based on analysis of 30K Rolls Royce Silver Spirit MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 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 Spirit generation has the most problems?
The Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Silver Spirit (1980-1998) (1980–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (33). 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 Spirit?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Rolls Royce Silver Spirit owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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