1971 Rover Princess MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Princess models manufactured in 1971, based on 61 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Rover Princess MOT Analysis
The 1971 Rover Princess has an MOT pass rate of 52.5% based on 61 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 44,853 miles on the odometer. With a 47.5% failure rate, the 1971 Princess is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Rover Princess is Brakes, responsible for 8.2% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 3.3%. Steering follows at 3.3%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall Princess 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 | Brakes | 8.2% | 5 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 3.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Steering | 3.3% | 2 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.6% | 1 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.6% | 1 |
| 6 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 44,853 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.83 | 8.2% | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 0.73 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.73 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.37 | 1.6% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.37 | 1.6% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.37 | 1.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Rover Princess has an MOT pass rate of 52.5% based on 61 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 44,853 miles on the odometer. With a 47.5% failure rate, the 1971 Princess is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Rover Princess, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With relatively low average mileage of 44,853 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Brakes — 8.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 8.2% of MOT failures on 1971 Rover Princess models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 3.3% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1971 Rover Princess models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Steering — 3.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1971 Rover Princess models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.