Chrysler Delta MOT Failures

An analysis of 3,642 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler Delta — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 844 (2011–2014).

Where the Chrysler Delta fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler Delta is exhaust system damage — this model is 8.1 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 3,642 MOT tests, 7.35% of all Chrysler Delta tests recorded this as a failure.

Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.

Other notable weak points include coil springs broken (6.3x the fleet average), axle or kingpin wear (6.9x the fleet average), and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req... (6.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler Delta's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 3 categories: Bodywork, Suspension, Tyres. If you're inspecting a Chrysler Delta before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Chrysler Delta's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Chrysler Delta specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are exhaust system damage (8.1x the average) and coil springs broken (5.3x).

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Chrysler Delta specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are exhaust system damage (7.4x the average) and axle or kingpin wear (6.9x). tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req... (6.7x) and coil springs broken (5.0x) also appear frequently.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Chrysler Delta specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are exhaust system damage (7.3x the average) and coil springs broken (6.3x).

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Chrysler Delta specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Coil spring fracture Dangerous

MOT data shows this model fails spring inspections at 6.3 times the fleet average, with failures documented across both engines and all mileage bands from 40,000 miles upward. Affects 844; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£250.

Exhaust system corrosion and failure Major

This model shows the highest MOT failure rate in the dataset at 8.1 times the fleet average for exhaust system defects, concentrated in the 40-100k mile range. Affects 844; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.

Stub axle and swivel pin wear Major

MOT failures for stub axle swivel pin wear occur at 7.4 times the fleet average, with the peak failure rate in the 60-80k mile band. Affects 844; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£200.

Suspension component corrosion Major

MOT data shows suspension component corrosion failures at 4.9 times the fleet average, particularly affecting the diesel variant. Affects 844; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Chrysler Delta common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Chrysler Delta

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler Delta:

Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage. Suspension — check for coil springs broken, axle or kingpin wear. Tyres — check for tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req....

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about coil spring fracture and exhaust system corrosion and failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £150. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.