Does the Daihatsu Copen fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Daihatsu Copen records 23.03 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 29.63 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−6.60, 95% interval −7.75 to −5.45). It ranks 533 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Daihatsu Copen by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Daihatsu Copen is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 1,460 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 1,460 | 16.91 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 225 | 2.61 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 108 | 1.25 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 31 | 0.36 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is so weakened that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected | 31 | 0.36 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 8,632 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Daihatsu Copen gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
20.6% of Daihatsu Copen MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 1,719 miles later (1,127 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,127 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Daihatsu Copen by postcode area · Daihatsu Copen body, chassis and structure failures · Daihatsu Copen brakes failures · Daihatsu Copen vehicle identification failures · Daihatsu Copen lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Daihatsu Copen noise, emissions and leaks failures · Daihatsu Copen seat belts and airbags failures · Daihatsu Copen steering failures · Daihatsu Copen tyres failures · Daihatsu Copen visibility failures