Chrysler Sunbeam Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Chrysler Sunbeam car check
Is the Chrysler Sunbeam reliable? We analysed 659 real MOT tests across 132 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Chrysler Sunbeam? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Chrysler Sunbeam is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive, suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Chrysler Sunbeam.
Chrysler Sunbeam Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Chrysler Sunbeam. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Chrysler Sunbeam MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Chrysler Sunbeam to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Chrysler Sunbeam Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Chrysler Sunbeam fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Chrysler Sunbeam Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Chrysler Sunbeam owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Chrysler Sunbeam MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Chrysler Sunbeam year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 221 | 85.5% | 10,928 | 51,212 | 82,856 |
| 1978 | 341 | 85.3% | 12,978 | 47,321 | 69,004 |
How Long Does a Chrysler Sunbeam Last?
Based on 132 Chrysler Sunbeam vehicles on UK roads.
Chrysler Sunbeam Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Chrysler Sunbeam MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Chrysler Sunbeam
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
85.5% MOT pass rate from 221 tests
85.3% MOT pass rate from 341 tests
The best year to buy a used Chrysler Sunbeam is 1979, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 85.5% across 221 tests. The 1978 model year has the lowest pass rate at 85.3% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Chrysler Sunbeam Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysler Sunbeam THIS CAR | 84.7% | 659 | 50,350 mi | 48 yrs |
| Chrysler Grand Voyager | 69% | 387,238 | 88,976 mi | 29 yrs |
| Chrysler Pt Cruiser | 68.6% | 279,642 | 66,345 mi | 26 yrs |
| Chrysler Voyager | 67.1% | 217,749 | 91,363 mi | 29 yrs |
| Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4X4 Dcb | 79.5% | 439 | 77,882 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Chrysler Grand Voyager (69.0% pass rate) and the Chrysler Pt Cruiser (68.6% pass rate), the Chrysler Sunbeam outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Chrysler Sunbeam you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Chrysler SunbeamShould you buy a used Chrysler Sunbeam?
The Chrysler Sunbeam has an overall MOT pass rate of 84.7% across 659 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Chrysler Sunbeam are exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (12 recorded failures), suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (12), and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (9). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Chrysler Sunbeam owner drives around 498 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Chrysler Sunbeam models stay on UK roads for around 48 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.