Lancia

Lancia Delta (1992)

363 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.4% first-time pass rate

1992 Lancia Delta

CarHunch analysed 363 real MOT records for the 1992 Lancia Delta. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 363 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1992 Lancia Delta passes its MOT on the first attempt just 78.4% of the time, fractionally below the UK average of 80%, which isn't a major red flag but suggests slightly above-average wear for a car of this age. The dangerous defect rate of 14.3% is moderate and not a serious buyer concern, though it's worth factoring into your inspection checklist.

These Deltas are running at a median 110,294 miles, which is entirely reasonable for a 32-year-old car, yet owners are seeing an average of 2.0 failures and 6.7 advisories per test—pointing to accumulated corrosion, suspension play, and trim issues rather than catastrophic mechanical problems. Before purchasing, have a pre-buy inspection focus on the underside and brake lines, as the advisory load suggests older cars in this cohort are holding together but need careful attention to rust.

The 1992 Lancia Delta passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (78.4%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
78.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
14.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2
Over 9.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
110k
Middle half: 78k–141k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 6.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 363 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 363 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 23.8%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Brake pipe slightly corroded
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 23%
Oil leak · Oil leak, but not excessive
Tyre wear 21.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Wipers & washers 20.5%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Exhaust & emissions 19.4%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive · Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive · Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive · …
Corrosion / rust 10.8%
sill covers fitted · Sill covers fitted
Inspect sills, subframes and brake pipes in person — photos rarely show structural rust.
Suspension & steering 7.6%
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1992.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 363 Lancia Delta cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1992 Lancia Delta

Based on MOT data from 363 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 14.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 362 78.3% 2

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,888 Lancia Delta vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 43.3%
818
White 16.8%
317
Black 12.9%
244
Blue 9.5%
179
Yellow 7%
132
Grey 5%
94
Green 2.6%
49
Maroon 1.5%
29
Silver 1.4%
26

Mileage Distribution

Most 1992 Lancia Delta vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

110,294
typical
78,484
low mileage
140,918
high mileage

Half of all 1992 Lancia Delta vehicles fall between 78,484 and 140,918 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 78,484 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
78,484–140,918 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1992 Lancia Deltas sit.
Over 190,239 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1992 Lancia Delta — Still on the Road

Most 1992 Lancia Deltas are still being driven.

101 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 71% of the peak remain.

134 101 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2
Avg failures per vehicle
6.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lancia Delta: All Delta years → Which year to buy? →
1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995

Or browse all models: Lancia →

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Compare with another model

See how the 1992 Lancia Delta stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?