At a Glance
Vauxhall has 225 identified common problems across 63 models, with the Brava being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 63.9M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Vauxhall common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 63.9M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Vauxhall models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Vauxhall Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 63 Vauxhall models.
Corsa
Most common: Suspension
Astra
Most common: Brakes
Zafira
Most common: Brakes
Vectra
Most common: Brakes
Vivaro
Most common: Brakes
Insignia
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Combo
Most common: Suspension
Meriva
Most common: Brakes
Mokka
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Vauxhall MOT Failures
Every reason Vauxhall vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.41% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.13% |
| 3 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.16% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.91% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.48% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.11% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.76% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.26% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.11% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.04% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.92% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.33% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 3.01% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.88% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.62% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 2.34% |
| 17 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.22% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.67% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.62% |
| 20 | Position lamp not working | 1.43% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.35% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.24% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.04% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.98% |
| 25 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.84% |
| 26 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.82% |
| 27 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.75% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 0.73% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.70% |
| 30 | Rear suspension fault | 0.66% |
| 31 | Fog lamp not working | 0.65% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.59% |
| 33 | Horn not working | 0.55% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 35 | Parking brake condition | 0.48% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.46% |
| 37 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.45% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.44% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.38% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.38% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.36% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.35% |
| 43 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.31% |
| 44 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.30% |
| 45 | Chassis condition | 0.26% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 47 | Front suspension fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.23% |
| 49 | Airbag warning light on | 0.23% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.23% |
| 51 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 52 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.19% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.17% |
| 54 | Steering free play excessive | 0.14% |
| 55 | Engine oil leak | 0.13% |
| 56 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.13% |
| 57 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.13% |
| 58 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 59 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.12% |
| 60 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 61 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 62 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 64 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 68 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 74 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 75 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 76 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 79 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 80 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 86 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 87 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 89 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 92 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 93 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 100 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 112 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 115 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 116 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 126 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 141 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 155 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 163 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 169 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 171 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 173 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 175 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 180 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 181 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 182 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 187 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 190 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 191 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 194 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 195 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 197 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 198 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 199 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 202 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 204 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 206 | Footrest damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 207 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 208 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 208 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Vauxhall MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Vauxhall, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Vauxhall problems?
Based on analysis of 63.9M Vauxhall MOT tests from DVSA data, Vauxhall has 225 identified common problems across 63 models. The Vauxhall Brava has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Vauxhall model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Vauxhall Brava has the highest count with 62 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Vauxhall models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Vauxhall?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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