At a Glance
The Vauxhall Frontera has 29 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Frontera A (1991-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 339K 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 Frontera 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 Frontera 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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Most Common Vauxhall Frontera MOT Failures
Every reason Vauxhall Frontera 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 16.73% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 6.08% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.95% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.89% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.76% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.74% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 5.44% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 5.20% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 4.81% |
| 10 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.55% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.14% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.13% |
| 13 | Front suspension fault | 2.82% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.34% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.88% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.30% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.27% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.18% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.16% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.10% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.98% |
| 22 | Tyre condition | 0.96% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 0.95% |
| 24 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.75% |
| 25 | Chassis condition | 0.62% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 0.57% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 0.52% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.50% |
| 29 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.47% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.46% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.41% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.39% |
| 33 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.31% |
| 36 | Brake fluid leak | 0.29% |
| 37 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.29% |
| 38 | Parking brake condition | 0.29% |
| 39 | Electrical switch fault | 0.25% |
| 40 | Steering free play excessive | 0.20% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.20% |
| 42 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.19% |
| 43 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.18% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 45 | ABS fault | 0.17% |
| 46 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 47 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.15% |
| 49 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 50 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.14% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Steering rack fault | 0.11% |
| 54 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 56 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 58 | CV joint worn | 0.10% |
| 59 | Body security fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 61 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.07% |
| 63 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.07% |
| 64 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 65 | Headlamp fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 67 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 68 | Rear suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 75 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 76 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 78 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 79 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering box fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 83 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.04% |
| 84 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 85 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 86 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 87 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.03% |
| 89 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 92 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 93 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 95 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 96 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 97 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 98 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 101 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 106 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 110 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 121 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 143 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 152 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 157 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 171 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 173 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 178 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 180 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 181 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 183 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 185 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 186 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 188 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 188 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Vauxhall Frontera MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Vauxhall Frontera, 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 Frontera problems?
Based on analysis of 339K Vauxhall Frontera MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 29 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Indicator fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Vauxhall Frontera generation has the most problems?
The Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A (1991-1998) (1991–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (31). 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 Frontera?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall Frontera owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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