Most Reliable Vauxhall Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 3,038,498 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Vauxhall models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
3,038,498 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Vauxhall model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Vauxhall GRANDLAND
86.5% pass rate
Best Single Year
VIVA 2015 Petrol
81.6% pass rate
Vauxhall vs National Average
65.4% vs 71.5%
-6.1% below average
Proven Durability Champion
MERIVA 2012
+5.2% at 11-12 years
Vauxhall has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 3,038,498 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Vauxhall models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Vauxhall model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Vauxhall Compares to Rivals
Vauxhall ranks #59 out of 75 manufacturers with a 65.4% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Peugeot | 66.1% | #58 | 1,428,753 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
| Citroen | 63.1% | #61 | 1,028,111 |
| Renault | 61.8% | #66 | 1,009,899 |
The verdict: Volkswagen maintains a lead among competitors, while Vauxhall sits at #59. However, newer Vauxhall models significantly outperform this average.
Best Vauxhall Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Vauxhall's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRANDLAND | 86.5% | +15.0% | 58,163 | 2018-2021 |
| CROSSLAND | 85.7% | +14.2% | 50,060 | 2017-2021 |
| VIVA | 85.2% | +13.7% | 38,405 | 2015-2019 |
| VX220 | 78.2% | +6.7% | 726 | 2001-2004 |
| CASCADA | 74.3% | +2.8% | 2,746 | 2013-2017 |
| MOKKA | 74.3% | +2.8% | 220,448 | 2012-2019 |
| ADAM | 72.2% | +0.7% | 59,272 | 2013-2019 |
| AMPERA | 70.9% | -0.6% | 1,071 | 2012-2014 |
| OMEGA | 69.4% | -2.1% | 1,102 | 2000-2003 |
| INSIGNIA | 68.1% | -3.4% | 216,811 | 2009-2020 |
Top performer
The GRANDLAND dramatically outperforms other Vauxhalls with an 86.5% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Vauxhall Models Age Best?
These Vauxhall models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERIVA | 2012 | Petrol | +5.2% | 11-12 years | 68.0% |
| COMBO | 2010 | Diesel | +4.9% | 13+ years | 62.2% |
| AGILA | 2007 | Petrol | +4.7% | 13+ years | 62.0% |
| INSIGNIA | 2010 | Diesel | +4.3% | 13+ years | 61.6% |
| VECTRA | 2001 | Petrol | +4.2% | 13+ years | 61.5% |
| INSIGNIA | 2009 | Diesel | +3.6% | 13+ years | 60.9% |
| AGILA | 2006 | Petrol | +3.1% | 13+ years | 60.5% |
| AGILA | 2012 | Petrol | +2.8% | 11-12 years | 65.7% |
| MERIVA | 2011 | Petrol | +2.5% | 11-12 years | 65.3% |
| ASTRA | 2012 | Petrol | +2.2% | 11-12 years | 65.0% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Vauxhall models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIVA | 2018 | Petrol | +6.5% | 5-6 years | 87.7% |
| VIVA | 2017 | Petrol | +4.6% | 5-6 years | 85.8% |
| VIVA | 2016 | Petrol | +4.4% | 5-6 years | 85.6% |
| GRANDLAND X SRI NAV TURBO | 2020 | Petrol | +4.3% | 3-4 years | 90.2% |
| VIVA | 2019 | Petrol | +2.7% | 3-4 years | 88.6% |
| VIVA | 2018 | Petrol | +2.6% | 3-4 years | 88.4% |
| CROSSLAND | 2019 | Petrol | +2.5% | 3-4 years | 88.3% |
| GRANDLAND | 2019 | Petrol | +2.4% | 3-4 years | 88.3% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Vauxhall MOKKA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The MOKKA has 220,448 tests in our database with an overall 74.3% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 84.9% | -1.3% | 21,714 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 80.5% | -5.7% | 1,009 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 82.3% | -2.0% | 30,407 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 79.3% | -4.9% | 1,404 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 77.2% | -4.5% | 30,828 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 73.6% | -8.1% | 6,040 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 73.7% | -4.9% | 26,684 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 70.4% | -8.3% | 13,402 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 71.8% | -3.7% | 28,806 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 66.7% | -8.8% | 14,576 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 70.0% | -1.8% | 18,220 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 66.3% | -5.4% | 13,734 |
MOKKA verdict:
Vauxhall INSIGNIA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The INSIGNIA has 216,811 tests in our database with an overall 68.1% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 85.2% | -2.5% | 479 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 84.8% | -2.8% | 725 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 83.2% | -3.1% | 4,783 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 79.9% | -6.3% | 3,438 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.1% | +0.9% | 4,708 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 79.5% | -4.7% | 8,264 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 82.0% | +0.3% | 3,402 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 75.8% | -5.9% | 12,394 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 76.3% | -2.4% | 2,060 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 69.4% | -9.2% | 20,895 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 77.9% | +2.4% | 2,043 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 67.9% | -7.6% | 27,519 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Petrol | 58.9% | -0.1% | 5,194 |
INSIGNIA verdict: Avoid the 2009 petrol (58.9%).
Avoid early INSIGNIA models
The 2009 petrol INSIGNIA has a 58.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Vauxhall Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Vauxhall's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 85.9% | +14.4% | 2,963 |
| Hybrid Electric | 79.9% | +8.4% | 2,186 |
| Petrol | 66.8% | -4.7% | 2,037,833 |
| Diesel | 62.4% | -9.2% | 982,555 |
The hybrid advantage: Vauxhall hybrids pass MOTs 13% more often than petrols and 18% more often than diesels.
Vauxhall Models to Avoid
Not all Vauxhalls are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMBO 2300 EDITION TD S/S | 2020 | Diesel | 59.1% | 618 |
| VIVARO 2900 DYNAMIC S/S | 2019 | Diesel | 64.3% (-22.1% vs same-age) | 608 |
| COMBO 2300 SPORTIVE TD S/S | 2020 | Diesel | 66.0% (-24.0% vs same-age) | 2,786 |
| COMBO | 2020 | Diesel | 67.8% (-20.3% vs same-age) | 7,176 |
| VIVARO | 2013 | Diesel | 48.9% (-22.4% vs same-age) | 10,414 |
| COMBO | 2018 | Diesel | 65.2% (-20.0% vs same-age) | 2,884 |
| COMBO | 2017 | Diesel | 62.9% (-19.3% vs same-age) | 3,743 |
| VIVARO | 2012 | Diesel | 46.8% (-22.1% vs same-age) | 9,093 |
| VIVARO | 2014 | Diesel | 53.0% (-21.8% vs same-age) | 13,023 |
| VIVARO | 2011 | Diesel | 45.4% (-21.1% vs same-age) | 11,218 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2017-2020 diesel COMBOs, 2011-2014 diesel VIVAROs are the models that drag down Vauxhall's average. The VIVARO 2010 performs 17% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-12 years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Vauxhalls?
When Vauxhalls fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 402,541 |
| 2. Suspension | 385,529 |
| 3. Brakes | 251,311 |
| 4. Tyres | 212,307 |
| 5. Visibility | 194,736 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 140,729 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 119,222 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Vauxhall owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- GRANDLAND X SRI NAV TURBO A 2020 Petrol: 91% pass rate
- ASTRA 2020 Petrol: 90% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- MERIVA 2011-2012: +3% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Vauxhall Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- VIVARO 2010-2012: -17% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- COMBO 2002-2012: -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- MERIVA 2004-2008: -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 3,038,498 tests on Vauxhall vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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