At a Glance
The Rover Sd1 has 17 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the SD1 (1976-1986) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 33K 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 Sd1 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 Sd1 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 Sd1 Generations
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Most Common Rover Sd1 MOT Failures
Every reason Rover Sd1 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 | 9.06% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 6.67% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.49% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.16% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.13% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.91% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.90% |
| 8 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.90% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.72% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.16% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 3.10% |
| 12 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.92% |
| 13 | Chassis condition | 2.41% |
| 14 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.32% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.27% |
| 16 | Parking brake condition | 1.96% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.92% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.84% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.71% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.52% |
| 21 | Steering rack fault | 1.49% |
| 22 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.48% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.46% |
| 24 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.35% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 26 | Driveshaft fault | 0.90% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.83% |
| 28 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.81% |
| 29 | Fog lamp not working | 0.76% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.73% |
| 31 | Position lamp not working | 0.67% |
| 32 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.64% |
| 33 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.64% |
| 34 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.60% |
| 35 | Headlamp fault | 0.58% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.56% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.54% |
| 38 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.52% |
| 39 | Steering column fault | 0.49% |
| 40 | Drag link end worn | 0.47% |
| 41 | Electrical switch fault | 0.44% |
| 42 | Steering lock fault | 0.41% |
| 43 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.41% |
| 44 | Brake fluid leak | 0.38% |
| 45 | Steering free play excessive | 0.35% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.35% |
| 47 | ABS fault | 0.35% |
| 48 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.32% |
| 49 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.29% |
| 50 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.27% |
| 51 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.27% |
| 52 | Brake pedal fault | 0.25% |
| 53 | Steering coupling worn | 0.25% |
| 54 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 55 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.24% |
| 56 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.22% |
| 58 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.22% |
| 59 | Steering box fault | 0.20% |
| 60 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.19% |
| 61 | Steering arm worn | 0.19% |
| 62 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 63 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 64 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 65 | Body security fault | 0.14% |
| 66 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.14% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 69 | Power steering pump fault | 0.13% |
| 70 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 71 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.11% |
| 73 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 74 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.11% |
| 75 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 76 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 77 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 79 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Speedometer fault | 0.08% |
| 81 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.08% |
| 82 | CV joint worn | 0.07% |
| 83 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 86 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.06% |
| 88 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.05% |
| 91 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 92 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 99 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 104 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 105 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 106 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 107 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 109 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 114 | Airbag warning light on | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 117 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 120 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.01% |
| 124 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 126 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Steering damper fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.01% |
| 130 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 131 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 132 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 133 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 140 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 151 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 153 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 153 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Rover Sd1 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Rover Sd1, 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 Sd1 problems?
Based on analysis of 33K Rover Sd1 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 17 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 Sd1 generation has the most problems?
The Rover Sd1 SD1 (1976-1986) (1976–1986) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). 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 Sd1?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Rover Sd1 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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