At a Glance
The Tata Tl has 19 identified common problems across 1 generation (2005–2008), with the TL (2005-2008) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 3K 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 Tl 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 Tl 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
Help other Tata Tl owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Tata Tl Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Tata Tl MOT Failures
Every reason Tata Tl 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 | 12.57% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.04% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 4.87% |
| 4 | Indicator fault | 4.66% |
| 5 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.67% |
| 6 | Seat belt condition | 3.60% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.39% |
| 8 | Front suspension fault | 3.32% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.18% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 3.18% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.97% |
| 12 | Brake pedal fault | 2.68% |
| 13 | Position lamp not working | 2.47% |
| 14 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 2.40% |
| 15 | Steering box fault | 1.91% |
| 16 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.84% |
| 17 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.77% |
| 18 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.69% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.62% |
| 20 | Exhaust system fault | 1.34% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.34% |
| 22 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 1.27% |
| 23 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.20% |
| 24 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 1.13% |
| 25 | Handbrake cable fault | 1.06% |
| 26 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.99% |
| 27 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.92% |
| 28 | Driveshaft fault | 0.85% |
| 29 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.85% |
| 30 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.85% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.85% |
| 32 | Electrical switch fault | 0.78% |
| 33 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.78% |
| 34 | Steering operation fault | 0.71% |
| 35 | Towbar fault | 0.64% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.56% |
| 37 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.56% |
| 38 | Brake lever fault | 0.49% |
| 39 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.49% |
| 40 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.49% |
| 41 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.49% |
| 42 | Track rod end worn | 0.49% |
| 43 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.49% |
| 44 | Body security fault | 0.42% |
| 45 | Chassis condition | 0.42% |
| 46 | Steering lock fault | 0.42% |
| 47 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.35% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.35% |
| 49 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.35% |
| 50 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.35% |
| 51 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.35% |
| 52 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.35% |
| 53 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.35% |
| 54 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.28% |
| 55 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.28% |
| 56 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.28% |
| 57 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.28% |
| 58 | Propshaft fault | 0.28% |
| 59 | Speedometer fault | 0.28% |
| 60 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.28% |
| 61 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.21% |
| 62 | Horn not working | 0.21% |
| 63 | Spare wheel fault | 0.21% |
| 64 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.21% |
| 65 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.21% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.14% |
| 67 | Headlamp fault | 0.14% |
| 68 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.14% |
| 69 | Parking brake condition | 0.14% |
| 70 | Power steering pump fault | 0.14% |
| 71 | Steering drive system fault | 0.14% |
| 72 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.14% |
| 73 | Steering shaft fault | 0.14% |
| 74 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.14% |
| 75 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 76 | Steering coupling worn | 0.14% |
| 77 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 78 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 79 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.07% |
| 81 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 82 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 83 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Rear suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 86 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.07% |
| 87 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 88 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 89 | Steering column fault | 0.07% |
| 90 | Steering rack fault | 0.07% |
| 91 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 92 | Stop lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 93 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
Showing all 93 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Tata Tl MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Tata Tl, 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 Tl problems?
Based on analysis of 3K Tata Tl MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 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 Tl generation has the most problems?
The Tata Tl TL (2005-2008) (2005–2008) has the highest number of identified common problems (24). 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 Tl?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Tata Tl owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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