Vauxhall reliability and common MOT problems by model
Vauxhall shows a 22.2% combined MOT failure rate across 3,929,960 tests in MOTIntel data. Corsa Se Premium has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 7.6%. Tigra deserves extra checking at 30.5%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Vauxhall combined failure rate: 22.2% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #39 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Corsa Se Premium (7.6%), Grandland X Sri Nav Turbo (7.8%), Corsa Se (8.4%), Viva (9.3%), Corsa Sri Premium Turbo (9.4%)
Tigra (30.5%), Vectra (28.8%), Corsavan (28.2%), Astravan (28.1%), Vivaro (27.7%)
Most reliable Vauxhall models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall Corsa Se Premium | 7.6% | 5,882 tests | 5,228 vehicles |
| 2 | Vauxhall Grandland X Sri Nav Turbo | 7.8% | 5,861 tests | 4,978 vehicles |
| 3 | Vauxhall Corsa Se | 8.4% | 9,450 tests | 8,467 vehicles |
| 4 | Vauxhall Viva | 9.3% | 42,373 tests | 37,551 vehicles |
| 5 | Vauxhall Corsa Sri Premium Turbo | 9.4% | 5,541 tests | 4,656 vehicles |
Vauxhall models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall Tigra | 30.5% | 11,472 tests | 8,003 vehicles |
| 2 | Vauxhall Vectra | 28.8% | 52,400 tests | 37,428 vehicles |
| 3 | Vauxhall Corsavan | 28.2% | 6,164 tests | 4,419 vehicles |
| 4 | Vauxhall Astravan | 28.1% | 12,893 tests | 9,406 vehicles |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 27.7% | 275,861 tests | 194,599 vehicles |
Common Vauxhall MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 983,959 MOT notes | 25 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Vauxhall Astravan, Vauxhall Vectra, Vauxhall Agila |
| 2 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 691,049 MOT notes | 26 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Vauxhall Tigra, Vauxhall Vectra, Vauxhall Astravan |
| 3 | Suspension and steering | 690,668 MOT notes | 26 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Vauxhall Vivaro, Vauxhall Tigra, Vauxhall Vectra |
| 4 | Lights and electrical | 455,396 MOT notes | 26 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Vauxhall Vectra, Vauxhall Astravan, Vauxhall Movano |
| 5 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 326,438 MOT notes | 26 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Sportive S S, Vauxhall Combo, Vauxhall Astravan |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 99,691 MOT notes | 26 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Dynamic S S, Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Sportive S S, Vauxhall Grandland X Sri Nav Turbo |
All Vauxhall model reports
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.