At a Glance
The Talbot Sunbeam has 1 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Sunbeam (1979-1981) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 6K 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 Sunbeam 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 Sunbeam 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
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Browse Talbot Sunbeam Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Talbot Sunbeam MOT Failures
Every reason Talbot Sunbeam 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 | 11.63% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.51% |
| 3 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.39% |
| 4 | Suspension mounting corroded | 5.12% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 4.71% |
| 6 | Indicator fault | 4.51% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.00% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.89% |
| 9 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.86% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.83% |
| 11 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.09% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.74% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.47% |
| 14 | Chassis condition | 2.44% |
| 15 | Horn not working | 2.41% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.12% |
| 17 | Spring mounting corroded | 2.06% |
| 18 | Front suspension fault | 1.94% |
| 19 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.88% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.86% |
| 21 | Steering rack fault | 1.65% |
| 22 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.50% |
| 23 | Brake fluid leak | 1.09% |
| 24 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 1.06% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 1.06% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.94% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.94% |
| 28 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 0.85% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.82% |
| 30 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.80% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.77% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.56% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.47% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.47% |
| 36 | Steering column fault | 0.47% |
| 37 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.41% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.41% |
| 39 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.38% |
| 40 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.32% |
| 41 | Rear suspension fault | 0.32% |
| 42 | Steering free play excessive | 0.32% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 44 | Steering coupling worn | 0.32% |
| 45 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.29% |
| 46 | Steering box fault | 0.27% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Steering arm worn | 0.24% |
| 49 | Brake lever fault | 0.21% |
| 50 | Electrical switch fault | 0.21% |
| 51 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.21% |
| 52 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 53 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.21% |
| 54 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.21% |
| 55 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.18% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.18% |
| 57 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 58 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.18% |
| 59 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.15% |
| 60 | Drag link end worn | 0.15% |
| 61 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.15% |
| 62 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 63 | Steering lock fault | 0.15% |
| 64 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.12% |
| 65 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.12% |
| 66 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.12% |
| 67 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.12% |
| 68 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 69 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.12% |
| 70 | Speedometer fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 72 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.12% |
| 73 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 74 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 75 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 76 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 77 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 79 | Towbar fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.09% |
| 81 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 83 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 84 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 85 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 86 | Steering shaft fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 88 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 89 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Driveshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 99 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 102 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 104 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 106 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | Universal joint worn | 0.03% |
| 108 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
Showing all 108 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Talbot Sunbeam MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Talbot Sunbeam, 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 Sunbeam problems?
Based on analysis of 6K Talbot Sunbeam MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 1 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Talbot Sunbeam generation has the most problems?
The Talbot Sunbeam Sunbeam (1979-1981) (1979–1981) has the highest number of identified common problems (1). 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 Sunbeam?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Talbot Sunbeam owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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