At a Glance
The Triumph Vitesse has 18 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Vitesse (1962-1971) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 17K 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 Vitesse 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 Vitesse 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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Help other Triumph Vitesse owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Triumph Vitesse Generations
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Most Common Triumph Vitesse MOT Failures
Every reason Triumph Vitesse 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 | 9.17% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.99% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.97% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 5.26% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.84% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.76% |
| 7 | Parking brake condition | 3.54% |
| 8 | Front suspension joint worn | 3.25% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.08% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.95% |
| 11 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.95% |
| 12 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.65% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.60% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.53% |
| 15 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.31% |
| 16 | Indicator fault | 2.25% |
| 17 | Chassis condition | 2.22% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.09% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.88% |
| 20 | Horn not working | 1.58% |
| 21 | Rear suspension fault | 1.55% |
| 22 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.44% |
| 23 | Steering rack fault | 1.37% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.21% |
| 26 | Steering column fault | 1.11% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 1.10% |
| 28 | Headlamp fault | 0.90% |
| 29 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.86% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.86% |
| 31 | Steering coupling worn | 0.78% |
| 32 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.77% |
| 33 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.76% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.74% |
| 35 | Driveshaft fault | 0.68% |
| 36 | Steering free play excessive | 0.64% |
| 37 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.57% |
| 38 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.56% |
| 39 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.54% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.52% |
| 41 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.50% |
| 42 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.46% |
| 43 | Position lamp not working | 0.42% |
| 44 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.39% |
| 45 | Steering operation fault | 0.39% |
| 46 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.37% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.37% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.34% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.29% |
| 52 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.27% |
| 53 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.26% |
| 54 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.25% |
| 55 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 56 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.22% |
| 57 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.21% |
| 58 | Steering arm worn | 0.21% |
| 59 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.21% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.18% |
| 62 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 63 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 64 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.17% |
| 65 | Steering lock fault | 0.17% |
| 66 | Steering shaft fault | 0.17% |
| 67 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.14% |
| 68 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.14% |
| 69 | Drag link end worn | 0.13% |
| 70 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.13% |
| 71 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 72 | Body security fault | 0.12% |
| 73 | Driver door fault | 0.12% |
| 74 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.10% |
| 75 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.10% |
| 76 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.10% |
| 77 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 78 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 79 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.07% |
| 80 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.07% |
| 81 | Speedometer fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.04% |
| 88 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 90 | Towbar fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 92 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.03% |
| 97 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 98 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 99 | Halfshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 102 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 107 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.01% |
| 108 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 109 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 114 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 117 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 118 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 119 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
Showing all 119 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Triumph Vitesse MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Triumph Vitesse, 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 Vitesse problems?
Based on analysis of 17K Triumph Vitesse 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 Vitesse generation has the most problems?
The Triumph Vitesse Vitesse (1962-1971) (1962–1971) has the highest number of identified common problems (22). 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 Vitesse?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Triumph Vitesse owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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