Daimler V8 MOT Failures

An analysis of 2,477 real DVSA MOT tests on the Daimler V8 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: V8_1960-2013 (1960–2013).

Where the Daimler V8 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Daimler V8 is wheel bearings worn — this model is 30 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 2,477 MOT tests, 14.96% of all Daimler V8 tests recorded this as a failure.

Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.

Other notable weak points include abs fault (23x the fleet average), structural corrosion (20x the fleet average), brake hoses perished or damaged (8.8x the fleet average), and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (24x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Daimler V8'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 4 categories: Suspension, Bodywork, Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions. If you're inspecting a Daimler V8 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 Daimler V8'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 Daimler V8 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are wheel bearings worn (30x the average) and fluid leak (6.8x). coil springs broken (5.1x) and coil springs broken also appear frequently.

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 Daimler V8 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (24x the average) and structural corrosion (20x). abs fault (15x) and wheel bearings worn (15x) also appear frequently.

The shift from wheel bearings worn at lower mileages to body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

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 Daimler V8 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Structural corrosion seriously reducing rigidity Dangerous

MOT data shows this model fails at 14.7 times the national fleet average for vehicle structure corrosion that seriously reduces rigidity. Affects V8_1960-2013; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,000–£2,000.

Excessive wheel bearing play Dangerous

MOT data shows this model fails at 14.5 times the fleet average for wheel bearing excessive play, with 105 failures recorded across the mileage bands where the problem peaks. Affects V8_1960-2013; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.

Subframe mounting point corrosion Dangerous

This is a worsening trend indicating progressive deterioration across the surviving fleet. Affects V8_1960-2013; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,800.

Flexible brake hose deterioration Dangerous

MOT data shows this model fails at 8.8 times the fleet average for flexible brake hoses that are excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched. Affects V8_1960-2013; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Daimler V8 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Daimler V8

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Daimler V8:

Suspension — check for wheel bearings worn, abs fault, coil springs broken. Bodywork — check for structural corrosion, body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point. Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion seriously reducing rigidity and excessive wheel bearing play. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,000. 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.