At a Glance
The Rover 45 has 8 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 45 (1999-2005) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 626K 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 Rover 45 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
Rover 45 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 Rover 45 Generations
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Most Common Rover 45 MOT Failures
Every reason Rover 45 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 | 11.13% |
| 2 | Driveshaft fault | 9.86% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.53% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 8.51% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 5.92% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.31% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.99% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 4.77% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.83% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.48% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.19% |
| 12 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.04% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.90% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.83% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.27% |
| 16 | Rear lamp not working | 1.80% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.46% |
| 18 | Fog lamp not working | 1.44% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.30% |
| 20 | Airbag warning light on | 1.19% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.79% |
| 22 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.74% |
| 23 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.66% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 0.59% |
| 25 | Parking brake condition | 0.50% |
| 26 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.46% |
| 27 | Chassis condition | 0.45% |
| 28 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.43% |
| 29 | Position lamp not working | 0.41% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.41% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.39% |
| 32 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.38% |
| 33 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.37% |
| 34 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.35% |
| 35 | Indicator fault | 0.31% |
| 36 | Headlamp fault | 0.28% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 38 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.27% |
| 39 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.25% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.25% |
| 41 | Rear suspension fault | 0.23% |
| 42 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.22% |
| 43 | ABS fault | 0.18% |
| 44 | Brake pedal fault | 0.18% |
| 45 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.18% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.17% |
| 47 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 48 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.17% |
| 49 | Front suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.12% |
| 52 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 54 | Brake fluid leak | 0.10% |
| 55 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 57 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.08% |
| 58 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 60 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 62 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 63 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 65 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.04% |
| 66 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.04% |
| 67 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.03% |
| 70 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 73 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 74 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 75 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 76 | Brake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 81 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 83 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 88 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 91 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 97 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 101 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 105 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 106 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 107 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 113 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 114 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 136 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 151 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 160 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 163 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 166 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Rover 45 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Rover 45, 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 Rover 45 problems?
Based on analysis of 626K Rover 45 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 8 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Rover 45 generation has the most problems?
The Rover 45 45 (1999-2005) (1999–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (13). 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 Rover 45?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Rover 45 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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