At a Glance
Talbot has 86 identified common problems across 7 models, with the Express being the most affected model and electrical the most common problem category. Based on 180K 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 how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Talbot common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 180K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Talbot models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Talbot Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Express
Most common: Suspension
Sunbeam
Most common: Suspension
Alpine
Most common: Suspension
Samba
Most common: Brakes
Horizon
Most common: Brakes
Solara
Most common: Suspension
Tagora
Most common: Suspension
Most Common Talbot MOT Failures
Every reason Talbot 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 | 7.24% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.06% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.63% |
| 4 | Driveshaft fault | 5.37% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.07% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.76% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.52% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.91% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.74% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 3.36% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.30% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 2.77% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.58% |
| 14 | Indicator fault | 2.36% |
| 15 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.34% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.34% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.27% |
| 18 | Chassis condition | 1.90% |
| 19 | Rear suspension fault | 1.88% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.60% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.55% |
| 22 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.50% |
| 23 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.24% |
| 24 | Steering rack fault | 1.13% |
| 25 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.10% |
| 26 | Headlamp fault | 1.09% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 1.01% |
| 28 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.95% |
| 29 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.82% |
| 30 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.82% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.80% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.76% |
| 33 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.67% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.66% |
| 35 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.66% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 37 | Parking brake condition | 0.60% |
| 38 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.57% |
| 39 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.54% |
| 40 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.51% |
| 41 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 42 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.49% |
| 43 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.33% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 45 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.25% |
| 46 | Electrical switch fault | 0.24% |
| 47 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.24% |
| 48 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.23% |
| 49 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 50 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.22% |
| 51 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 52 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.21% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.19% |
| 54 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | CV joint worn | 0.16% |
| 56 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.15% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.15% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.15% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 61 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.12% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.11% |
| 64 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 66 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.11% |
| 68 | Towbar fault | 0.10% |
| 69 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 70 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 71 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 72 | Steering column fault | 0.09% |
| 73 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 75 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 76 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 77 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Spare wheel fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Speedometer fault | 0.06% |
| 84 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 85 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 86 | Brake servo fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 88 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 89 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 92 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.04% |
| 94 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 97 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 100 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 101 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 102 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 103 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 105 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 108 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 109 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 110 | Step damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 111 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 114 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 119 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 121 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 122 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 123 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 124 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 125 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.01% |
| 129 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 130 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.01% |
| 132 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 133 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 134 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 135 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 136 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 137 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 146 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 158 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 162 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 163 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 167 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 170 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 174 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 176 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 178 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 183 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 186 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Talbot MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Talbot, 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 Talbot problems?
Based on analysis of 180K Talbot MOT tests from DVSA data, Talbot has 86 identified common problems across 7 models. The Talbot Express has the most recorded problems. Electrical issues are the most common category.
Which Talbot model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Talbot Express has the highest count with 64 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Talbot models on UK roads. See the models grid for a 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 Talbot?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Talbot owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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