Used buying checklist
Vauxhall Cavalier reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Vauxhall Cavalier looks about average for reliability in UK MOT data: 19.4% of 1,465 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 19.4% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 89,354 miles
- 285 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (71.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting, and prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- ferrule excessively corroded
- leaking excessively from engine
- Fuel Pipe/s corroded
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
- Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- across an axle
Focus on corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 19.4%, +0.7 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed1,465 tests
- Median tested mileage89,354 miles
- Failed MOT tests285
Should you buy a used Vauxhall Cavalier?
80.5% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 19.4%, +0.7 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (71.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Cavalier, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
The MOT failure rate rises from 19.4% at 15+ years to 19.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
3 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (71.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (32.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (15.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Cavalier, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (71.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Vauxhall Cavalier mainly involve 3 areas: tyres and wheels, brakes, and lights and electrical. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Cavalier, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 232 | 196 | 17.2%+6.4 percentage points vs all models | 32,318 miles |
| 50-100k | 619 | 524 | 18.1%-2.6 percentage points vs all models | 76,187 miles |
| 100-150k | 384 | 312 | 21.3%-4.9 percentage points vs all models | 119,436 miles |
| 150-200k | 156 | 121 | 25.0%-2.3 percentage points vs all models | 167,068 miles |
| 200k+ | 50 | 41 | 22.0%-4.6 percentage points vs all models | 232,633 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Cavalier, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and suspension and steering.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 19.4% at 15+ years to 19.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 19.4% for 15+ years cars, based on 1,465 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1,465 | 1,197 | 19.4%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 30.0 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
3 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 1995-03-24 | 1) POSSIBLE STATIC SPARKING DURING REFUELLING (ASTRA MODELS ONLY) 2) AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT DEPLOY 1) During refuelling the flow of fuel can cause static electricity to build up in the tank filler neck with the possibility of static sparking. 2) On some vehicles an electrical connector plug in the air bag system may not be correctly possible A) The fitting of a metal earthing clamp to the lower end of the metal ring for the fuel filler cap to ensure a conductive connection between the filler neck and the vehicle body. B) Checking that in potentially affected vehicles the subject elect |
|---|---|
| 1994-05-28 | WIRING MAY CHAFE ON BRAKE PIPE As a result of engine movement a wiring harness may chafe on a steel brake pipe adjacent to the brake master cylinder. This could cause short circuiting and possible loss of braking efficiency should the brake fluid temperature rise as a result. Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified clip to the wiring harness. Additionally the harness will be sheathed for additional protection in the area adjacent to the brake pipe. |
| 1992-11-27 | POSSIBLE TYRE FAILURE Certain vehicles within the chassis range specified may have been fitted with examples of a batch of Dunlop tyres which are the subject of a recall. The tyres were affected by a contaminant during manufacture which could cause loss of adhesion between Recall the affected vehicles for examination of the tyres. Where any tyres from the affected batch are found they will be replaced. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Vauxhall Cavalier. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Vauxhall reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.