1981 Triumph T140 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for T140 models manufactured in 1981, based on 294 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all T140 cars tested in 1981. Want to see how cars built in 1981 hold up over time?
View 1981 Triumph T140 vintage page → (83.3% current pass rate)1981 Triumph T140 MOT Analysis
The 1981 Triumph T140 has an MOT pass rate of 89.8% based on 294 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 20,170 miles on the odometer. With a 10.2% failure rate, the 1981 T140 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 Triumph T140 is Motorcycle brakes, responsible for 0.3% 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. Motorcycle structure and attachments is the second most common issue at 0.3%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall T140 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 | Motorcycle Brakes | 0.3% | 1 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 0.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 20,170 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle brakes | 0.17 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Motorcycle structure and attachments | 0.17 | 0.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 Triumph T140 has an MOT pass rate of 89.8% based on 294 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 20,170 miles on the odometer. With a 10.2% failure rate, the 1981 T140 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 Triumph T140, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle 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 20,170 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle brakes — 0.3% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1981 Triumph T140 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).
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 0.3% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1981 Triumph T140 models. Motorcycle structure and attachments issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.