At a Glance
The Triumph Tr7 has 39 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the TR7 (1975-1981) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 23K 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 Tr7 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 Tr7 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 Tr7 Generations
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Most Common Triumph Tr7 MOT Failures
Every reason Triumph Tr7 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 | Stop lamp not working | 8.70% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 7.80% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.51% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.47% |
| 5 | Front lamp not working | 4.36% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 4.05% |
| 7 | Indicator fault | 3.41% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.08% |
| 9 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.96% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.69% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.56% |
| 12 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.35% |
| 13 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.15% |
| 14 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.15% |
| 15 | Exhaust system fault | 2.11% |
| 16 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.90% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.84% |
| 18 | Fog lamp not working | 1.79% |
| 19 | Steering rack fault | 1.40% |
| 20 | Steering column fault | 1.34% |
| 21 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.31% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 1.30% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.29% |
| 24 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.15% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 1.04% |
| 26 | Front suspension fault | 1.02% |
| 27 | Horn not working | 0.96% |
| 28 | Parking brake condition | 0.95% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.91% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.87% |
| 31 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.81% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.81% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.69% |
| 34 | Steering free play excessive | 0.66% |
| 35 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.59% |
| 36 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.58% |
| 37 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.58% |
| 38 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.53% |
| 39 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.53% |
| 40 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.51% |
| 41 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.50% |
| 42 | Rear suspension fault | 0.50% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.50% |
| 44 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.45% |
| 45 | Electrical switch fault | 0.44% |
| 46 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.42% |
| 47 | Brake pedal fault | 0.39% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.36% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.36% |
| 51 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 52 | Steering shaft fault | 0.33% |
| 53 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.33% |
| 54 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.32% |
| 55 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.30% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.30% |
| 57 | Brake lever fault | 0.29% |
| 58 | Brake caliper fault | 0.28% |
| 59 | Steering arm worn | 0.28% |
| 60 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.27% |
| 61 | Brake fluid leak | 0.26% |
| 62 | Steering lock fault | 0.26% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.25% |
| 64 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.24% |
| 65 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.23% |
| 66 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.22% |
| 67 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.21% |
| 68 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.20% |
| 69 | Speedometer fault | 0.20% |
| 70 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.20% |
| 71 | Universal joint worn | 0.20% |
| 72 | Steering coupling worn | 0.20% |
| 73 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 74 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.19% |
| 75 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.17% |
| 76 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 77 | Body security fault | 0.14% |
| 78 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.14% |
| 79 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.14% |
| 80 | Driver seat fault | 0.13% |
| 81 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.13% |
| 82 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 83 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.12% |
| 84 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 85 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 86 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 87 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 88 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 89 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 90 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.07% |
| 91 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 92 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 93 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 94 | Power steering pump fault | 0.06% |
| 95 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 96 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 98 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 99 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 100 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 101 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 104 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.03% |
| 105 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 108 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 109 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 110 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 111 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Driveshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 122 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 123 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 124 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 134 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Triumph Tr7 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Triumph Tr7, 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 Tr7 problems?
Based on analysis of 23K Triumph Tr7 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 39 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 Tr7 generation has the most problems?
The Triumph Tr7 TR7 (1975-1981) (1975–1982) has the highest number of identified common problems (47). 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 Tr7?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Triumph Tr7 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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