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Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

19 identified problems175 MOT failure types159K MOT tests analysed1991–1998

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A has 19 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Indicator fault being the most reported. Brakes is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 159K 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 Frontera Frontera A — 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 Frontera Frontera A MOT Pass Rate

Across 159K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A (1991–1998) has a fail rate of 49.6%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

80K passed79K failed

Common Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A 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.

Indicator fault

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

7,499

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 4.0× the UK averageAvg mileage: 108,572 mi

Catalytic converter efficiency low

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

4,932

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.0× the UK averageAvg mileage: 104,683 mi

Headlamp defect (aim check required on retest)

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

4,421

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.2× the UK averageAvg mileage: 101,955 mi

Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

3,941

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 4.6× the UK averageAvg mileage: 108,847 mi

Rear lamp not working

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

2,966

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 99,788 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 Frontera Frontera A, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

557 distinct problems · 428,191 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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Other Vauxhall Frontera Generations

Frontera A

1991–1998

31 problems

Current page

Frontera B

1998–2004

22 problems

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A (1991–1998), we have identified 19 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Indicator fault". Brakes is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Vauxhall Frontera Frontera A?

This generation has 159K MOT tests on record with a 49.6% 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 Frontera Frontera A?

There are 175 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Frontera A (1991–1998), 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 Frontera Frontera A?

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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