Does the Morris Minor fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Morris Minor records 15.66 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.26 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−3.60, 95% interval −4.27 to −2.92). It ranks 448 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 Morris Minor by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Morris Minor 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 1,396 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 | 1,396 | 8.66 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 407 | 2.52 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 147 | 0.91 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 105 | 0.65 |
| A wheel bearing excessively rough | 79 | 0.49 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 16,127 (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 Morris Minor gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
13.2% of Morris Minor MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 548 miles later (1,446 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,446 (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
Morris Minor by postcode area · Morris Minor body, chassis and structure failures · Morris Minor brakes failures · Morris Minor vehicle identification failures · Morris Minor lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Morris Minor noise, emissions and leaks failures · Morris Minor seat belts and airbags failures · Morris Minor steering failures · Morris Minor tyres failures · Morris Minor visibility failures