The Broken Car Breakdown retrospective uses a fun car diagnostic theme to help teams celebrate smooth progress, identify obstacles, and address recurring frustrations for continual improvement.

When to use this template

This format is ideal after a challenging sprint, complex project, or any period where your team felt the ups and downs of working together. Use it to identify root causes and energize your team for the road ahead.

How to facilitate

Introduce the Broken Car Breakdown retro by explaining the car analogy and column meanings to set a playful, collaborative mood.

Give team members a few minutes to add their thoughts to each column: Joyrides for smooth wins, Engine Trouble for blockers, and Overheating Issues for recurring frustrations.

Invite everyone to review the board, then facilitate a group discussion for each column—start with Joyrides to celebrate wins, followed by Engine Trouble and Overheating Issues to explore setbacks and frustrations.

Ask clarifying questions on patterns or repeated issues, especially in Overheating Issues, to identify underlying systemic problems.

Collaboratively brainstorm actions that can address the most pressing Engine Troubles and Overheating Issues, ensuring clear owners and next steps for each action.

Wrap up with a short reflection on how addressing these issues will keep your team's engine running smoother next sprint.

Pro Tips

Invite team members to share concrete examples or stories alongside their cards to uncover useful context.

Balance time, so the team doesn't dwell only on problems—ensure Joyrides get adequate attention to boost morale.

If recurring issues appear, consider prioritizing a deep dive or mini root-cause analysis for one big item.

Use the car theme to keep conversations light but focused—remind the team you're here to fix, not blame.

FAQ

How do we avoid focusing only on problems?

Facilitate equal time on Joyrides before moving to Engine Trouble and Overheating Issues. Framing success is important for motivation.

What if the same 'Overheating Issues' keep coming back every retro?

Use this as a prompt for deeper analysis. Consider dedicating extra time to dig into underlying causes and assign specific actions to address them.

Can this template work with a large team?

For larger groups, split into breakout rooms and bring key insights back to the main group to keep discussions manageable and inclusive.

How can I keep the retro from becoming a venting session?

Acknowledge frustrations, but steer the discussion toward actionable solutions. Link each complaint to a constructive next step.

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At a glance

Duration
45–60 min
Team Size
4-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Glad, Sad, Mad

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🚗🔧 Broken Car Breakdown

Rev your engines! In this Broken Car retro, we’ll be mechanics diagnosing our team’s journey. Let’s spot happy smooth rides, identify what sputtered, and fix the bumps so our engine runs smoother next sprint!

Template Columns

🔋 Joyrides

🛑 Engine Trouble

💥 Overheating Issues

About this template