At a Glance
Tata has 61 identified common problems across 4 models, with the Loadbeta being the most affected model and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 18K 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 Tata common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 18K 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 Tata 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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Tata Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Most Common Tata MOT Failures
Every reason Tata 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 18.60% |
| 2 | Front lamp not working | 6.57% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.54% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.35% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.88% |
| 6 | Seat belt condition | 3.89% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 2.45% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.39% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.17% |
| 10 | Indicator fault | 2.07% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 1.78% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 1.76% |
| 13 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.74% |
| 14 | Rear lamp not working | 1.49% |
| 15 | Handbrake cable fault | 1.41% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.29% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.28% |
| 18 | Steering operation fault | 1.26% |
| 19 | Suspension linkage fault | 1.22% |
| 20 | Brake pedal fault | 1.13% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.00% |
| 22 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.98% |
| 23 | Front suspension fault | 0.90% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.89% |
| 25 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.85% |
| 26 | Exhaust system fault | 0.85% |
| 27 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.82% |
| 28 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.80% |
| 29 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.79% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.77% |
| 31 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 32 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.73% |
| 33 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.66% |
| 34 | Steering box fault | 0.66% |
| 35 | Steering lock fault | 0.65% |
| 36 | Drag link end worn | 0.63% |
| 37 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.56% |
| 38 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.54% |
| 39 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.54% |
| 40 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.54% |
| 41 | Brake fluid leak | 0.53% |
| 42 | Power steering pump fault | 0.52% |
| 43 | Steering coupling worn | 0.52% |
| 44 | Chassis condition | 0.50% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 46 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.49% |
| 47 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.46% |
| 48 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.42% |
| 49 | Steering column fault | 0.42% |
| 50 | Track rod end worn | 0.42% |
| 51 | Electrical switch fault | 0.40% |
| 52 | Steering arm worn | 0.37% |
| 53 | Headlamp fault | 0.36% |
| 54 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.34% |
| 55 | Body security fault | 0.33% |
| 56 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.33% |
| 57 | Spare wheel fault | 0.33% |
| 58 | Rear suspension fault | 0.32% |
| 59 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.30% |
| 60 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.29% |
| 61 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.29% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.27% |
| 63 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.27% |
| 64 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.27% |
| 65 | Steering drive system fault | 0.27% |
| 66 | Steering shaft fault | 0.27% |
| 67 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.26% |
| 69 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.26% |
| 70 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.24% |
| 72 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.24% |
| 73 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 74 | Towbar fault | 0.23% |
| 75 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.22% |
| 76 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.20% |
| 77 | Brake caliper fault | 0.19% |
| 78 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.19% |
| 79 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.17% |
| 80 | Horn not working | 0.17% |
| 81 | Steering free play excessive | 0.17% |
| 82 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 83 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.16% |
| 84 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.16% |
| 85 | ABS fault | 0.14% |
| 86 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.13% |
| 87 | Stop lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 88 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.13% |
| 89 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 90 | CV joint worn | 0.11% |
| 91 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.11% |
| 92 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 93 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.11% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.10% |
| 95 | Fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 96 | Power steering ram fault | 0.10% |
| 97 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 98 | Propshaft fault | 0.09% |
| 99 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 100 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 101 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 102 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 103 | Parking brake condition | 0.07% |
| 104 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 105 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 106 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.06% |
| 107 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 108 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.06% |
| 109 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 110 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 111 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 112 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 113 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.04% |
| 114 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.04% |
| 115 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 116 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.04% |
| 117 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.04% |
| 118 | Steering damper fault | 0.04% |
| 119 | Steering rack fault | 0.04% |
| 120 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 121 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 122 | Airbag warning light on | 0.03% |
| 123 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 124 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 125 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | 0.03% |
| 126 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 127 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 128 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 129 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 130 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.03% |
| 131 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 132 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.01% |
| 133 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 134 | Chain drive fault | 0.01% |
| 135 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 136 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.01% |
| 138 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 139 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 141 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 142 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.01% |
| 143 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 144 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
Showing all 144 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Tata MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Tata, 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 Tata problems?
Based on analysis of 18K Tata MOT tests from DVSA data, Tata has 61 identified common problems across 4 models. The Tata Loadbeta has the most recorded problems. Brakes issues are the most common category.
Which Tata model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Tata Loadbeta has the highest count with 43 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Tata 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 Tata?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Tata owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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