Used buying checklist
Vauxhall Signum reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Vauxhall Signum looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 29.1% of 2,225 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 suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, 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.
- 29.1% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 120,228 miles
- 647 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 (70.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, excessively corroded, and ferrule excessively corroded.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- excessively corroded
- ferrule excessively corroded
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- lens slightly defective
- warning lamp indicates a fault
- warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
Focus on corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 29.1%, +10.4 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 analysed2,225 tests
- Median tested mileage120,228 miles
- Failed MOT tests647
Should you buy a used Vauxhall Signum?
70.9% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 29.1%, +10.4 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 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 "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 suspension and steering.
Start with corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, 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 (70.1 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 Signum, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering.
The MOT failure rate rises from 28.6% at 10-15 years to 29.1% 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, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. 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, lights and electrical, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. 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 (70.1 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 (32.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (32.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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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 (26.4 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 (9.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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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 (2.4 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 Signum, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, 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 (70.1 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 Signum mainly involve 3 areas: suspension and steering, lights and electrical, 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 Signum, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 52 | 42 | 19.2%+8.4 percentage points vs all models | 42,322 miles |
| 50-100k | 645 | 478 | 26.4%+5.6 percentage points vs all models | 81,766 miles |
| 100-150k | 977 | 700 | 30.8%+4.6 percentage points vs all models | 124,218 miles |
| 150-200k | 460 | 329 | 30.9%+3.6 percentage points vs all models | 165,463 miles |
| 200k+ | 68 | 50 | 27.9%+1.4 percentage points vs all models | 218,549 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Vauxhall Signum, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, 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 28.6% at 10-15 years to 29.1% 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 29.1% for 15+ years cars, based on 2,204 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
21 | 14 | 28.6%+5.0 percentage points vs all models | 13.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
2,204 | 1,592 | 29.1%+3.2 percentage points vs all models | 17.1 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.
| 2008-04-07 | HANDBRAKE MAY PARTIALLY RELEASE Following a small number of complaints of Vauxhall Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly defective handbrakes. Vauxhall engineers in conjunction with consultants and other bodies have conducted rigorous testing and found that provided the handbrake is applied correctly without depressing the release button the handbrake is perfectly safe. In line with it's priority of continuous improvement recalled vehicles will be fitted with a modified handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release. |
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| 2005-12-17 | REAR AXLE HUB MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION The hardening process applied to the rear wheel bearing inner ring may be incorrect. There is a possibility that a rumbling noise may become apparent which if not checked could in extreme circumstances result in the detachment of the hub and severely impaired road holding/handling. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the date stamp on the rear wheel hubs. Where necessary replace the hub bearing assembly. |
| 2004-11-05 | REAR EXHAUST PIPE MAY MOVE BACKWARDS SLIPPING OFF THE FRONT PIPE The possibility exists that the rear exhaust pipe can move backwards and slip off the front pipe. With the possibility that under body components may become damaged. Recall affected vehicles check likely to be affected under body areas and install a new exhaust clamp. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Vauxhall Signum. 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.