At a Glance
The Vauxhall Vectra has 14 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Vectra C (2002-2008) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 5.3M 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 Vectra 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 Vectra 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 Vectra owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Vauxhall Vectra owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Vauxhall Vectra?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Vauxhall Vectra Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Vauxhall Vectra MOT Failures
Every reason Vauxhall Vectra 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 11.99% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.35% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.07% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.98% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.28% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.80% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 4.21% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.76% |
| 9 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.65% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.55% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 3.42% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.07% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 3.03% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.98% |
| 15 | Rear lamp not working | 2.46% |
| 16 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.40% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.16% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.53% |
| 19 | Driveshaft fault | 1.14% |
| 20 | Parking brake condition | 0.81% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 0.77% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 0.74% |
| 23 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.72% |
| 24 | ABS fault | 0.72% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 26 | Steering rack fault | 0.59% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.59% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 0.57% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.51% |
| 30 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.50% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.48% |
| 32 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.44% |
| 33 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.41% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.40% |
| 35 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.39% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.33% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 38 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 39 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.26% |
| 40 | Airbag warning light on | 0.23% |
| 41 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.23% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.22% |
| 43 | Steering free play excessive | 0.21% |
| 44 | Horn not working | 0.20% |
| 45 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.19% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.19% |
| 47 | Steering arm worn | 0.17% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.15% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.15% |
| 51 | Rear suspension fault | 0.14% |
| 52 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.13% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 54 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 56 | Drag link end worn | 0.11% |
| 57 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 61 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.08% |
| 62 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 65 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 66 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 67 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Chassis condition | 0.05% |
| 71 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 75 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 77 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 78 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 79 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 91 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Stub axle worn | 0.02% |
| 93 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 94 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | CV joint worn | 0.01% |
| 98 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 100 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 101 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 102 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 103 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 106 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 112 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 114 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 135 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 143 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 146 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 147 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 148 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 152 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 170 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 171 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 172 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 173 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 174 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 175 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 176 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 180 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 181 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 187 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 190 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 192 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 195 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 196 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 196 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Vauxhall Vectra MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Vauxhall Vectra, 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 Vectra problems?
Based on analysis of 5.3M Vauxhall Vectra MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 14 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 Vectra generation has the most problems?
The Vauxhall Vectra Vectra C (2002-2008) (2002–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). 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 Vectra?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Vauxhall Vectra 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
