Used buying checklist
Vauxhall Insignia reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Vauxhall Insignia looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 21.0% of 271,528 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, 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.
- 21.0% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 92,557 miles
- 56,947 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 (14.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, corroded and seriously weakened, and corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
- slightly damaged
- worn down to wear indicator
- inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced
- leaking excessively from engine
- emissions exceed default limit of 1.5m-1
Focus on corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
The model's recorded failure rate is 21.0%, +2.2 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 analysed271,528 tests
- Median tested mileage92,557 miles
- Failed MOT tests56,947
Should you buy a used Vauxhall Insignia?
79.0% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 21.0%, +2.2 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, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
- 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 "corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (14.6 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 Insignia, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 10.7% at 0-3 years to 27.3% 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, lights and electrical, emissions, engine, and exhaust, 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.
6 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, lights and electrical, emissions, engine, and exhaust, 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 (14.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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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 (13.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (13.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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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 (7.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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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 (5.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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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 (2.6 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 Insignia, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
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 (14.6 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 Insignia mainly involve 4 areas: mixed recall notices, suspension and steering, seatbelts and safety systems, and brakes. 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 Insignia, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and corrosion and structure.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 32,569 | 27,133 | 13.3%+2.5 percentage points vs all models | 39,119 miles |
| 50-100k | 121,890 | 94,716 | 20.3%-0.4 percentage points vs all models | 77,184 miles |
| 100-150k | 89,793 | 67,368 | 23.7%-2.5 percentage points vs all models | 119,220 miles |
| 150-200k | 21,232 | 15,672 | 24.6%-2.7 percentage points vs all models | 164,577 miles |
| 200k+ | 3,784 | 2,698 | 25.5%-1.1 percentage points vs all models | 220,278 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Insignia, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| 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 10.7% at 0-3 years to 27.3% 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 27.3% for 15+ years cars, based on 11 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
1,048 | 942 | 10.7%+2.2 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
36,766 | 30,403 | 13.2%+2.6 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
123,264 | 92,944 | 21.5%+4.9 percentage points vs all models | 8.1 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
110,439 | 83,940 | 23.1%-0.5 percentage points vs all models | 12.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
11 | 8 | 27.3%+1.4 percentage points vs all models | 15.1 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2017-03-17 | PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY INCORRECTLY The passenger air bag may not deploy as intended On affected vehicles replace the airbag module assembly |
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| 2017-03-01 | REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE An incorrect front brake hose may have been fitted which may allow brake fluid to leak On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace front brake hoses |
| 2016-07-11 | POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL The thread on the swivel pin of the track rod end might not be to specification. Therefore when the nut was tightened onto the thread the correct clamping force may not have been attained. After high mileage damage might occur and develop. If not attended to there is a possiblility that the component might fail and steering control would be lost. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the thread on the swivel joint of the track rod end. Where it does not conform to specification replace the track rod end. |
| 2015-05-21 | TAILGATE MAY DROP ABRUPTLY AFTER IT IS OPENED Due to a gradual gas leak inside the left-hand tailgate strut the strut may become unable to support the opened tailgate. The tailgate may drop abruptly after first opening normally potentially causing serious injuries to persons present in the opening range of the tailgate. Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and replaced the left hand gas strut. |
| 2011-01-14 | WINDOW ANTI-TRAP MAY MALFUNCTION The anti-pinch or auto reverse function of the window regulator may not work correctly to ECE R21 requirements. So it is possible to trap items including fingers and limbs between the window and its closure. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and if necessary replace the window regulator motor. |
| 2010-11-23 | STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY It has been identified that in the unlikely event of a collision where there is a need for the deployment of the driver airbag it is a possible that the drivers airbag module may separate form its mounting on the steering wheel horn plate. Recall all affected vehicles and replace the drivers airbag module. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Vauxhall Insignia. 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.