MOT History from tests of petrol TRIUMPH SPITFIREs year 1980

Review the list of common TRIUMPH SPITFIRE failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your TRIUMPH then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:59.68%

(The average a petrol TRIUMPH SPITFIRE year 1980 passes without issue)

Based on:3,058 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	236
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	174
Registration plate lamp issues	174
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	152
Headlamp aim out of alignment	137
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	125
Rear brake binding	98
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	81
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	78
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	76
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	67
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	63
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	56
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	53
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	51
Brake pipe excessively corroded	48
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	47
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	45
Rear brake application uneven	38
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	34
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	34
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	34
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	33
Registration plate issues	33
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	32
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	32
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	31
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	31
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	28
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	28
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	28
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	28
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	26
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	25
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	25
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	25
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	25
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	22
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	21
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	21
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	21
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	20
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	20
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	20
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	20
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	20
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	20
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	19
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	19
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	18
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	18
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	17
Driver`s door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	17
Windscreen washer not working	17
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	16
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	16
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	16
Offside Obligatory mirror missing \|8.1.1\|	16
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	16
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	14
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	14
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	13
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	13
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	13
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	12
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	12
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	12
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	12
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	11
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	11
Front brake application uneven	11
Offside Rear fog lamp missing \|1.3.2a\|	10
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	10
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	10
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	10
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	10
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	10
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	9
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	9
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	9
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	9
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	9
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	8
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	8
Direction indicators flashing less than 60 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	8
Rear fog lamp switch missing \|1.3.1a\|	8
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Service brake efficiency below requirements \|1.2.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	8
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	8
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	8
Steering column top mounting bracket insecure \|2.1.2d\|	8
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	8
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	8
Front passenger seat insecure \|6.2.3\|	8
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	8
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Offside Front Brake hose twisted \|found during steering lock to lock check\| \|2.2.D.2b\|	8
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	7
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	7
Rear fog lamp missing \|1.3.2a\|	7
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	7
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	7
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	7
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	7
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	7
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	6
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	6
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	6
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	6
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	6
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Steering wheel retaining device insecure \|2.1.6\|	6
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	6
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	6
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	6
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Rear fog lamp not working \|4.5.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	6
Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	6
Steering rack insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	6
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Nearside Front All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6
Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	5
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	5
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	5
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	5
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Brake hose twisted \|found during steering lock to lock check\| \|2.2.D.2b\|	5
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	5
Nearside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Lower Steering column flexible coupling has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	5
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	5
Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt \|5.2.2a\|	5
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	5
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.1.3 \|g\| \|ii\|\|	5
Rear fog lamp tell tale missing \|1.3.1b\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	5
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	5
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Offside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	5
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	5
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	4
All position lamps not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	4
Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	4
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	4
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	4
Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	4
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	4
Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel \|2.1.2b\|	4
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Offside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Driver`s door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	4
Nearside Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	4
Nearside Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	4
Nearside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	4
Nearside Rear Wheel nut\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	4
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
All direction indicators not working \|4.4.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	4
Offside Front All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	4
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))	4
Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))	4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.1.3 \|g\| \|ii\|\|	4
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	4

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol TRIUMPH SPITFIREs year 1980

Find us on Facebook