At a Glance
The Tata Safari has 32 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Safari (1998-2019) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 5K 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 Tata Safari 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
Tata Safari 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Tata Safari owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Tata Safari Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Tata Safari MOT Failures
Every reason Tata Safari 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 | 19.83% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.67% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 5.82% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 5.54% |
| 5 | Seat belt condition | 5.14% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.24% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 3.95% |
| 8 | Steering operation fault | 3.95% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.39% |
| 10 | Suspension linkage fault | 2.99% |
| 11 | Rear lamp not working | 2.82% |
| 12 | Indicator fault | 2.09% |
| 13 | Brake pedal fault | 1.81% |
| 14 | Brake fluid leak | 1.53% |
| 15 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.47% |
| 16 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.47% |
| 17 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 1.30% |
| 18 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 1.30% |
| 19 | Steering lock fault | 1.24% |
| 20 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.19% |
| 21 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 1.13% |
| 22 | Handbrake cable fault | 1.02% |
| 23 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.96% |
| 24 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.90% |
| 25 | Exhaust system fault | 0.79% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.79% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.79% |
| 28 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.62% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.56% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.56% |
| 32 | Body security fault | 0.51% |
| 33 | Drag link end worn | 0.51% |
| 34 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 35 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.45% |
| 36 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 37 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.45% |
| 38 | Steering coupling worn | 0.45% |
| 39 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.40% |
| 40 | Power steering pump fault | 0.40% |
| 41 | Steering column fault | 0.40% |
| 42 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 43 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.34% |
| 44 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.28% |
| 45 | Front suspension fault | 0.28% |
| 46 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.28% |
| 47 | Steering shaft fault | 0.28% |
| 48 | Track rod end worn | 0.28% |
| 49 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.28% |
| 50 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 51 | CV joint worn | 0.23% |
| 52 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.23% |
| 53 | Fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 54 | Headlamp fault | 0.23% |
| 55 | Steering drive system fault | 0.23% |
| 56 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 57 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.23% |
| 58 | Towbar fault | 0.23% |
| 59 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.17% |
| 60 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.17% |
| 61 | Parking brake condition | 0.17% |
| 62 | Power steering ram fault | 0.17% |
| 63 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.17% |
| 64 | Steering arm worn | 0.17% |
| 65 | Steering box fault | 0.17% |
| 66 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.17% |
| 67 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.17% |
| 68 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.17% |
| 69 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.17% |
| 70 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.17% |
| 71 | Airbag warning light on | 0.11% |
| 72 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 73 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 74 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 75 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.11% |
| 76 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.11% |
| 77 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 78 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 79 | Front passenger door fault | 0.11% |
| 80 | Rear suspension fault | 0.11% |
| 81 | Steering free play excessive | 0.11% |
| 82 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.11% |
| 83 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 84 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.11% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 86 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 87 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 88 | Brake servo fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.06% |
| 90 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.06% |
| 91 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.06% |
| 92 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 93 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 94 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 95 | Horn not working | 0.06% |
| 96 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.06% |
| 97 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 98 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.06% |
| 99 | Stop lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 100 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 101 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 102 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
Showing all 102 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Tata Safari MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Tata Safari, 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 Safari problems?
Based on analysis of 5K Tata Safari MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 32 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Tata Safari generation has the most problems?
The Tata Safari Safari (1998-2019) (1998–2019) has the highest number of identified common problems (39). 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 Tata Safari?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Tata Safari owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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