At a Glance
The Vauxhall Combo has 52 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Combo C (2001-2011) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 2.2M 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Vauxhall Combo common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Vauxhall Combo generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Vauxhall Combo Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Combo B
Top issue: Number plate lamp not working
Combo C
Top issue: Coil spring broken or corroded
Combo D
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
Combo E
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
Most Common Vauxhall Combo MOT Failures
Every reason Vauxhall Combo 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 | 8.69% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.10% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.80% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 6.03% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.46% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.00% |
| 7 | Track rod end worn | 4.99% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.80% |
| 9 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.96% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.88% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.85% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 3.21% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.73% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.32% |
| 15 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.16% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.11% |
| 17 | Driveshaft fault | 1.91% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.55% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.54% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.53% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.41% |
| 22 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.36% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.20% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.17% |
| 25 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.99% |
| 26 | Rear lamp not working | 0.88% |
| 27 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.84% |
| 28 | Steering rack fault | 0.84% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.76% |
| 30 | Fog lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.64% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.60% |
| 33 | Indicator fault | 0.56% |
| 34 | Parking brake condition | 0.51% |
| 35 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.43% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.40% |
| 37 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.38% |
| 38 | Chassis condition | 0.34% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.33% |
| 40 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.29% |
| 41 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.28% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.24% |
| 43 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 44 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 45 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.20% |
| 46 | Steering free play excessive | 0.20% |
| 47 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 49 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.18% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.17% |
| 51 | Drag link end worn | 0.17% |
| 52 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 53 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 54 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.15% |
| 55 | Engine oil leak | 0.14% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.14% |
| 58 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 59 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake fluid leak | 0.10% |
| 61 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 63 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 65 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 66 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 68 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 71 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 72 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 75 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 76 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.05% |
| 77 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 81 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 82 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 85 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 86 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 91 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 93 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 99 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 100 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 106 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 107 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 109 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 115 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 117 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 118 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 128 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 137 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 153 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 157 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 160 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 170 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 171 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 173 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 183 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 184 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 187 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 188 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 193 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 195 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 196 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 197 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 198 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 199 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 200 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Vauxhall Combo MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Vauxhall Combo, 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 Combo problems?
Based on analysis of 2.2M Vauxhall Combo MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 52 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Vauxhall Combo generation has the most problems?
The Vauxhall Combo Combo C (2001-2011) (2001–2011) has the highest number of identified common problems (50). Click the generation card above for the 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 Combo?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall Combo owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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