Vauxhall Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Vauxhall? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Vauxhall reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 75% (+11 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 19 Vauxhall models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 2.17% and the average retest rate is 15.8%. Vauxhall ranks below the UK average on first-time MOT pass rate. That doesn't make every example unreliable — a well-kept Vauxhall can outperform a neglected premium car — but it raises the importance of checking the specific car's MOT history before purchase.

Vauxhall first-time MOT pass rate

75%

Implied failure rate: 25% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+11 pp

Dangerous defects

2.17%

Retest rate

15.8%

How Vauxhall compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Vauxhall’s pass rate of 75% is 11 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Vauxhall models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Vauxhall pass rate75%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Vauxhall models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Vauxhall Mokka-e

2021–present · sample ≈5k

88.5%

Vauxhall Ampera

2012–2015 · sample ≈3k

84.8%

Vauxhall Grandland

2017–present · sample ≈25k

84.5%

Most problematic Vauxhall models

The Vauxhall models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Vauxhall Zafira

1999–2018 · sample ≈55k

70.5%

Vauxhall Movano

2003–present · sample ≈22k

71.5%

Vauxhall Vivaro

2001–present · sample ≈42k

72.5%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Vauxhall

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Vauxhall

Aggregated across 19 Vauxhall models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

17.6%

Suspension

15.9%

Brakes

13.6%

Tyres

11.2%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

9.4%

Vauxhall reliability — FAQ

Is Vauxhall a reliable car brand in the UK?

Vauxhall's first-time MOT pass rate of 75% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the average band of brands for MOT reliability. We track 19 Vauxhall models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Vauxhall model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Vauxhall models in our dataset are: Vauxhall Mokka-e (88.5%), Vauxhall Ampera (84.8%), Vauxhall Grandland (84.5%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Vauxhall models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Vauxhall models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Vauxhall Zafira (70.5%), Vauxhall Movano (71.5%), Vauxhall Vivaro (72.5%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Vauxhall?

Aggregated across Vauxhall models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (17.6%), suspension (15.9%), brakes (13.6%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Vauxhall’s MOT history

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 19 Vauxhall models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.