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Vauxhall Brava
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

61 identified problems177 MOT failure types62K MOT tests analysed1991–2002

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Vauxhall Brava has 61 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake hydraulic component worn being the most reported. Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 62K MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Vauxhall Brava — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Vauxhall Brava MOT Pass Rate

Across 62K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Vauxhall Brava (1991–2002) has a fail rate of 50.4%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

31K passed31K failed

Common Vauxhall Brava Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Brake hydraulic component worn

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

10,063

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 3.0× the UK averageAvg mileage: 120,228 mi

Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

8,241

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 70.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 121,685 mi

Brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

8,135

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 4.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 123,108 mi

Exhaust system fault

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

7,026

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 3.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 117,972 mi

Headlamp defect (aim check required on retest)

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

5,835

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 9.4× the UK averageAvg mileage: 122,033 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Vauxhall Brava, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

409 distinct problems · 178,699 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Vauxhall Brava problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Vauxhall Brava Brava (1991–2002), we have identified 61 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Vauxhall Brava?

This generation has 62K MOT tests on record with a 50.4% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Vauxhall Brava?

There are 177 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Brava (1991–2002), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Vauxhall Brava?

Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall Brava owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.

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