At a Glance
The Talbot Express has 59 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Express (1982-1994) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 169K 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 Talbot Express 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
Talbot Express 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 Talbot Express Generations
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Most Common Talbot Express MOT Failures
Every reason Talbot Express 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 | 7.34% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.30% |
| 3 | Driveshaft fault | 5.54% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.33% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.05% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.79% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.61% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.94% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.80% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 3.41% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.23% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 2.87% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.51% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.42% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 2.29% |
| 16 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.28% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.07% |
| 18 | Rear suspension fault | 1.94% |
| 19 | Chassis condition | 1.88% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.61% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.59% |
| 22 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.57% |
| 23 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.16% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 1.11% |
| 25 | Steering rack fault | 1.09% |
| 26 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.08% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 1.00% |
| 28 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.98% |
| 29 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.85% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.84% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.78% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.76% |
| 33 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.70% |
| 34 | Fog lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.60% |
| 36 | Parking brake condition | 0.60% |
| 37 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.59% |
| 38 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.58% |
| 39 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.56% |
| 40 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.53% |
| 41 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 42 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.46% |
| 43 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.30% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.28% |
| 45 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.26% |
| 46 | Electrical switch fault | 0.25% |
| 47 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.25% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 49 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.23% |
| 50 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.22% |
| 52 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.19% |
| 53 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 54 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.17% |
| 55 | CV joint worn | 0.16% |
| 56 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.16% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 58 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.13% |
| 59 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 60 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.12% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 63 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 64 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Towbar fault | 0.10% |
| 66 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 67 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 68 | Brake pedal fault | 0.10% |
| 69 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 70 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 71 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 73 | Steering column fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 75 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 76 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.07% |
| 77 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 80 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Spare wheel fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 83 | Speedometer fault | 0.06% |
| 84 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Brake servo fault | 0.06% |
| 86 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 87 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 88 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 89 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 90 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.05% |
| 94 | Brake caliper 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 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 101 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 103 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 106 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 109 | Step damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 110 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 116 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 117 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 118 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 120 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 123 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.01% |
| 128 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.01% |
| 131 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 132 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 133 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 134 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 135 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 136 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 154 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 165 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 166 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 171 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 173 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 180 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 181 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 185 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Talbot Express MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Talbot Express, 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 Express problems?
Based on analysis of 169K Talbot Express MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 59 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Talbot Express generation has the most problems?
The Talbot Express Express (1982-1994) (1982–1994) has the highest number of identified common problems (85). 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 Talbot Express?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Talbot Express owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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