Motoring Today

Vauxhall Astra MOT reliability

Reliability from 19 Vauxhall Astra cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Vauxhall Astra at MOT?

Across 6 Vauxhall Astra cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 43%. 83% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 5 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and lighting & electrical, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
43%
Valid MOT
5 / 6
Median MOT left
5 mo
Top failure
Tyres

Motoring Today currently lists 3 Vauxhall Astra cars for sale, with prices starting from £6090 or a representative monthly payment of £207. When considering a used Astra, its MOT pass rate provides a snapshot of common issues. Based on 696,491 national DVSA MOT tests, the Vauxhall Astra has a national pass rate of 71.99%. This figure reflects cars presented for test and doesn't represent lifetime reliability, as failures often correlate with vehicle age and maintenance, rather than the badge itself. The most common reasons for MOT failure on the Astra are illuminating for potential buyers. Topping the list, 27% of failures are due to 'Lighting & electrical' issues, which could mean anything from blown bulbs to wiring problems. 'Other' failures account for 21%, followed closely by 'Brakes' at 20%. 'Tyres' caused 14% of failures, and 'Suspension' 12%. For a used car buyer, this means paying close attention to all lights, checking brake performance and disc/pad wear, inspecting tyres for tread depth and condition, and listening for any knocks or unusual noises from the suspension during a test drive. While an MOT pass rate reflects the condition of vehicles at the time of testing, it’s important to remember that all cars require regular maintenance. Failures tend to cluster with vehicle age and general neglect. Every Motoring Today listing includes full MOT history, allowing buyers to see past advisories and failures for specific cars. Finance is subject to status.

43First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
5 / 6
83% road-ready
Median MOT left
5 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
2
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Astra

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 19 Vauxhall Astra cars with DVSA test history in our stock (30 recorded failure items, 5 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres620%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)620%
Lighting & electrical620%
Emissions & exhaust413%
Seatbelts & restraints27%
Suspension27%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Vauxhall Astra cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Vauxhall Astra?
Based on real national DVSA MOT tests, the Vauxhall Astra has a pass rate of 71.99%. This figure comes from 696491 tests conducted across the UK.
What are the most common MOT failures for a Vauxhall Astra?
The most common MOT failure categories for the Vauxhall Astra are Lighting & electrical (27%), Other (21%), Brakes (20%), Tyres (14%), and Suspension (12%).
Is the Vauxhall Astra reliable?
An MOT pass rate primarily reflects the condition of cars presented for testing, not overall lifetime reliability. Failures tend to increase with the vehicle's age and can be influenced by maintenance and prior usage.
What should I check before buying a used Vauxhall Astra?
Focus your checks on areas prone to MOT failure: lighting and electrical systems, the condition of brakes, tyre wear, and any signs of wear or damage to the suspension components.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Astra?
Across 19 Vauxhall Astra cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and lighting & electrical (tyres account for 20% of recorded failures).

More Vauxhall Astra resources