At a Glance
The Rover P5 has 7 identified common problems across 1 generation (1958–1973), with the P5/P5B (1958-1973) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 8K 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 P5 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 P5 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 P5 Generations
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Most Common Rover P5 MOT Failures
Every reason Rover P5 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 performance below minimum | 11.82% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.42% |
| 3 | Track rod end worn | 5.54% |
| 4 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.13% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.48% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.21% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 4.04% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.93% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.85% |
| 10 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.85% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.77% |
| 12 | Indicator fault | 3.24% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.24% |
| 14 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.47% |
| 15 | Chassis condition | 1.92% |
| 16 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.90% |
| 17 | Rear lamp not working | 1.72% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.72% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.55% |
| 20 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.53% |
| 21 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.53% |
| 22 | Tyre condition | 1.40% |
| 23 | Parking brake condition | 1.34% |
| 24 | Horn not working | 1.23% |
| 25 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.15% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 1.09% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.98% |
| 28 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.86% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.84% |
| 30 | Brake fluid leak | 0.82% |
| 31 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.75% |
| 32 | Power steering pump fault | 0.73% |
| 33 | Steering box fault | 0.63% |
| 34 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.61% |
| 35 | Drag link end worn | 0.61% |
| 36 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.46% |
| 37 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.44% |
| 38 | Steering lock fault | 0.44% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.42% |
| 40 | Front suspension fault | 0.40% |
| 41 | Steering free play excessive | 0.38% |
| 42 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.38% |
| 43 | Brake caliper fault | 0.33% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.33% |
| 45 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 46 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.27% |
| 47 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.25% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.25% |
| 49 | Steering operation fault | 0.23% |
| 50 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.21% |
| 51 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.21% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.21% |
| 53 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.21% |
| 54 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.19% |
| 55 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.17% |
| 56 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.17% |
| 57 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.15% |
| 58 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.13% |
| 59 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.13% |
| 60 | Speedometer fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Steering drive system fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 63 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.10% |
| 64 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 67 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.08% |
| 68 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 69 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.08% |
| 70 | Rear suspension fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.08% |
| 72 | Steering arm worn | 0.08% |
| 73 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.08% |
| 74 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.06% |
| 75 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 76 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 77 | Steering coupling worn | 0.06% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 80 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 86 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 87 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.04% |
| 88 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.04% |
| 90 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.04% |
| 92 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 93 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Driveshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 98 | Fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 99 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 102 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 104 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 106 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.02% |
| 109 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
Showing all 109 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Rover P5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Rover P5, 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 P5 problems?
Based on analysis of 8K Rover P5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Rover P5 generation has the most problems?
The Rover P5 P5/P5B (1958-1973) (1958–1973) has the highest number of identified common problems (9). 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 P5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Rover P5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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