1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Sovereign 4.2 Auto models manufactured in 1978, based on 61 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto MOT Analysis
The 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto has an MOT pass rate of 72.1% based on 61 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 52,265 miles on the odometer. With a 27.9% failure rate, the 1978 Sovereign 4.2 Auto is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 8.2% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Suspension is the second most common issue at 6.6%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 1.6%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Sovereign 4.2 Auto page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 8.2% | 5 |
| 2 | Suspension | 6.6% | 4 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 52,265 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.57 | 8.2% | 5 |
| Suspension | 1.25 | 6.6% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.31 | 1.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto has an MOT pass rate of 72.1% based on 61 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 52,265 miles on the odometer. With a 27.9% failure rate, the 1978 Sovereign 4.2 Auto is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. At 52,265 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 8.2% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 8.2% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Suspension — 6.6% of failures
Suspension issues account for 6.6% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Body, chassis, structure — 1.6% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 1.6% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler Sovereign 4.2 Auto models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.