During my PPL training I have had a number of maintainance "issues"!
Whilst doing my pre-flight checks I tend to check that the spark plug lead is attached to the plug. On one occassion, much to my horror, the lead lifted clean away!
The CFI was a little annoyed...I think she thought I had pulled on the lead, which I hadn't.... "we don't normally check the plug leads" was the comment made.
Also have had the rubber rudder pedal covers held on with cable ties and leaking fuel from the ball valve in one of the the fuel drainers! This was dripping once every 10 secs. The comment I received here was "your only doing circuits and you have plenty of fuel!"
The intercom I have found is a major cause of problems and very off putting during training, I have had incompatible headsets from the instructor, earpads that become detached in flight, intermittent connections.
The other day I borrowed a set of headphones from the school I was hiring from and they were totally defective! Had to shut down and return to get an alternative pair! the answer to this was given to me by a PPL friend ... if you are serious about flying buy your own headset!!