At a Glance
The Triumph Dolomite has 13 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Dolomite (1972-1980) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 15K 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 Triumph Dolomite 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
Triumph Dolomite 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
Help other Triumph Dolomite owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Triumph Dolomite owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Triumph Dolomite?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Triumph Dolomite Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Triumph Dolomite MOT Failures
Every reason Triumph Dolomite 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 | Windscreen washer not working | 8.33% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.78% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 5.74% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 4.87% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.79% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.61% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.60% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.37% |
| 9 | Body corrosion or damage | 3.94% |
| 10 | Front suspension fault | 3.61% |
| 11 | Chassis condition | 3.40% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.19% |
| 13 | Track rod end worn | 3.16% |
| 14 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.98% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.29% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.21% |
| 17 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.07% |
| 18 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.03% |
| 19 | Parking brake condition | 1.48% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.48% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 1.36% |
| 22 | Steering column fault | 1.33% |
| 23 | Steering free play excessive | 1.25% |
| 24 | Steering coupling worn | 1.25% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 1.05% |
| 26 | Horn not working | 0.91% |
| 27 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.82% |
| 28 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.73% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.69% |
| 30 | Electrical switch fault | 0.68% |
| 31 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.67% |
| 32 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.65% |
| 33 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.63% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 35 | Brake fluid leak | 0.61% |
| 36 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.60% |
| 37 | Steering operation fault | 0.54% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 39 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.50% |
| 40 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.47% |
| 41 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.45% |
| 42 | Brake pedal fault | 0.42% |
| 43 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.42% |
| 44 | Steering arm worn | 0.40% |
| 45 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.37% |
| 46 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.34% |
| 47 | Steering shaft fault | 0.33% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.32% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.31% |
| 50 | Rear suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 51 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.28% |
| 52 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.28% |
| 53 | Driveshaft fault | 0.27% |
| 54 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 55 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 56 | Indicator fault | 0.24% |
| 57 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.23% |
| 58 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 59 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.19% |
| 60 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 61 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.15% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.15% |
| 63 | Steering lock fault | 0.15% |
| 64 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.14% |
| 66 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.14% |
| 67 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.14% |
| 68 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.13% |
| 69 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 70 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.12% |
| 72 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.11% |
| 73 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.09% |
| 74 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 75 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 76 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 77 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 80 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 81 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 82 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 83 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 84 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 87 | Universal joint worn | 0.04% |
| 88 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 89 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 91 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 94 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 95 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 96 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 101 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 105 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 106 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 109 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 110 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 112 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 115 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 123 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Triumph Dolomite MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Triumph Dolomite, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Triumph Dolomite problems?
Based on analysis of 15K Triumph Dolomite MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Triumph Dolomite generation has the most problems?
The Triumph Dolomite Dolomite (1972-1980) (1972–1980) has the highest number of identified common problems (14). 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 Triumph Dolomite?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Triumph Dolomite owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
