At a Glance
The Triumph Herald has 18 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Herald (1959-1971) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 31K 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 Herald 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 Herald 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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Browse Triumph Herald Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Triumph Herald MOT Failures
Every reason Triumph Herald 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 | 8.12% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.91% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.66% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.19% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 4.92% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.23% |
| 7 | Chassis condition | 3.61% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 3.44% |
| 9 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.19% |
| 10 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.81% |
| 11 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.78% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.78% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.71% |
| 14 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.68% |
| 15 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.42% |
| 16 | Parking brake condition | 2.21% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 2.20% |
| 18 | Steering rack fault | 2.13% |
| 19 | Horn not working | 1.75% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.59% |
| 21 | Front lamp not working | 1.53% |
| 22 | Front suspension fault | 1.51% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.36% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.30% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.05% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 1.01% |
| 27 | Position lamp not working | 1.00% |
| 28 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.84% |
| 29 | Steering free play excessive | 0.81% |
| 30 | Steering coupling worn | 0.74% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.70% |
| 32 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.65% |
| 33 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.65% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.63% |
| 35 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.63% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.59% |
| 37 | Steering column fault | 0.57% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.52% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.48% |
| 40 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.45% |
| 41 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.44% |
| 42 | Brake fluid leak | 0.43% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.40% |
| 44 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.40% |
| 45 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.38% |
| 46 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 47 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.35% |
| 48 | Driveshaft fault | 0.34% |
| 49 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.33% |
| 50 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.28% |
| 51 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.25% |
| 52 | Body security fault | 0.24% |
| 53 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.23% |
| 54 | Electrical switch fault | 0.23% |
| 55 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.23% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.22% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.21% |
| 58 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 59 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.20% |
| 60 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.19% |
| 61 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.19% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.18% |
| 63 | Steering lock fault | 0.18% |
| 64 | Steering operation fault | 0.17% |
| 65 | Steering shaft fault | 0.16% |
| 66 | Brake lever fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.15% |
| 68 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 69 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.13% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 71 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.11% |
| 73 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 74 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 76 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 77 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 80 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.06% |
| 82 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 84 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 86 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 87 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 89 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 90 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 94 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Universal joint worn | 0.04% |
| 96 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 98 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.03% |
| 99 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 100 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 101 | Fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 102 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 105 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Brake slack adjuster fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 113 | Halfshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 117 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.01% |
| 118 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.01% |
| 119 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 121 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 122 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 128 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 130 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 135 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Triumph Herald MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Triumph Herald, 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 Triumph Herald problems?
Based on analysis of 31K Triumph Herald MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 18 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Triumph Herald generation has the most problems?
The Triumph Herald Herald (1959-1971) (1959–1971) has the highest number of identified common problems (23). 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 Herald?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Triumph Herald owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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