At a Glance
The Triumph Tr4 has 7 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the TR4 (1961-1965) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 11K 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 Tr4 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 Tr4 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 Triumph Tr4 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Triumph Tr4 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Triumph Tr4 MOT Failures
Every reason Triumph Tr4 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 | 9.06% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 7.73% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.97% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.66% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.62% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.98% |
| 7 | Track rod end worn | 3.81% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.61% |
| 9 | Front suspension fault | 3.09% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 2.38% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.23% |
| 12 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.11% |
| 13 | Tyre condition | 2.11% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.96% |
| 15 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.94% |
| 16 | Horn not working | 1.92% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.92% |
| 18 | Steering column fault | 1.87% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.82% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.67% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.57% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.55% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.50% |
| 24 | Chassis condition | 1.47% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.42% |
| 26 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.33% |
| 27 | Steering coupling worn | 1.08% |
| 28 | Steering rack fault | 1.06% |
| 29 | Brake fluid leak | 0.96% |
| 30 | Headlamp fault | 0.96% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.83% |
| 32 | Brake pedal fault | 0.81% |
| 33 | Steering shaft fault | 0.74% |
| 34 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.71% |
| 35 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.66% |
| 36 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.64% |
| 37 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.61% |
| 38 | Steering free play excessive | 0.61% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.54% |
| 40 | Steering arm worn | 0.54% |
| 41 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.54% |
| 42 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.49% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.49% |
| 44 | Steering operation fault | 0.47% |
| 45 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.42% |
| 46 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.42% |
| 47 | Steering lock fault | 0.42% |
| 48 | Brake caliper fault | 0.37% |
| 49 | Seat belt condition | 0.29% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.29% |
| 51 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.27% |
| 52 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.27% |
| 53 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.25% |
| 54 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.25% |
| 55 | Electrical switch fault | 0.25% |
| 56 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 57 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 58 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.25% |
| 59 | Driveshaft fault | 0.22% |
| 60 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.20% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.20% |
| 62 | Speedometer fault | 0.20% |
| 63 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.17% |
| 64 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.17% |
| 65 | Wheel hub fault | 0.17% |
| 66 | Body security fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.15% |
| 68 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.15% |
| 69 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.15% |
| 70 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.15% |
| 71 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.15% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 73 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.12% |
| 74 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 75 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.12% |
| 76 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 77 | Universal joint worn | 0.12% |
| 78 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 79 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.10% |
| 80 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.10% |
| 81 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.07% |
| 83 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Driver door fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 86 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.07% |
| 87 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.07% |
| 88 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Dip switch fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 92 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 94 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 95 | Stub axle worn | 0.05% |
| 96 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 97 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 98 | Transmission oil leak | 0.05% |
| 99 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 100 | Additional braking device fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.02% |
| 103 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 106 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 107 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 109 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | 0.02% |
| 110 | Loading door damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 111 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 112 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 113 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 115 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
Showing all 115 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Triumph Tr4 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Triumph Tr4, 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 Tr4 problems?
Based on analysis of 11K Triumph Tr4 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 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 Tr4 generation has the most problems?
The Triumph Tr4 TR4 (1961-1965) (1961–1965) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). 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 Tr4?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Triumph Tr4 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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