At a Glance
The Vauxhall Omega has 19 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Omega B (1994-2003) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 495K 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 Omega 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 Omega 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Vauxhall Omega owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Vauxhall Omega owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Vauxhall Omega?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Vauxhall Omega Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Vauxhall Omega MOT Failures
Every reason Vauxhall Omega 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 | 12.38% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 9.28% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 7.57% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.78% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.68% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 5.16% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.03% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.38% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 4.11% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.25% |
| 11 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.17% |
| 12 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.12% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.07% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 3.02% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.57% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.44% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.32% |
| 18 | Parking brake condition | 2.26% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.74% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 0.95% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.68% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.65% |
| 23 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.64% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 25 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.57% |
| 26 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.53% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 0.44% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.43% |
| 30 | Indicator fault | 0.43% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.42% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 33 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.31% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.30% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.29% |
| 36 | Chassis condition | 0.29% |
| 37 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.22% |
| 39 | Headlamp fault | 0.21% |
| 40 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 41 | Drag link end worn | 0.18% |
| 42 | Steering arm worn | 0.18% |
| 43 | Position lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 44 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.16% |
| 45 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 46 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.14% |
| 47 | Steering free play excessive | 0.14% |
| 48 | Airbag warning light on | 0.13% |
| 49 | Rear suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 50 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.12% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.12% |
| 52 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 53 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.09% |
| 54 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 55 | Brake fluid leak | 0.07% |
| 56 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 57 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 58 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 59 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.06% |
| 60 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 62 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 64 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Driveshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 67 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 68 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 71 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 77 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 78 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 82 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.02% |
| 85 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 87 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.01% |
| 88 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 89 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 91 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Steering rack fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 97 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 98 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 105 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 107 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 109 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 116 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 118 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 120 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 126 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 129 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 130 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 152 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 157 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 161 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 163 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 168 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 170 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 171 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Vauxhall Omega MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Vauxhall Omega, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Vauxhall Omega problems?
Based on analysis of 495K Vauxhall Omega MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Vauxhall Omega generation has the most problems?
The Vauxhall Omega Omega B (1994-2003) (1994–2003) has the highest number of identified common problems (27). 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 Omega?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall Omega owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
