Vauxhall Astra: what fails at MOT
803,000 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Astra in 2024, counted. 33.5% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
33.6% of Vauxhall Astra tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 30.9%, so the Astra is about average for its age.
It fails most often on lights and electrics (9.1% of tests), suspension (7.9% of tests) and brakes (6.5% of tests). It fails on exhaust and emissions more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,057 | 11.8% | 10.9% | 23,900 15,700 to 35,500 |
| 2020 | 8,375 | 13.1% | 11.5% | 27,600 18,600 to 40,700 |
| 2019 | 23,937 | 15.3% | 13.4% | 37,600 26,100 to 52,000 |
| 2018 | 38,465 | 18.1% | 15.6% | 47,800 34,700 to 63,800 |
| 2017 | 51,146 | 19.6% | 18.2% | 55,300 40,800 to 73,300 |
| 2016 | 60,661 | 22.8% | 21.3% | 62,600 46,800 to 80,700 |
| 2015 | 59,948 | 29.5% | 24.4% | 69,600 52,400 to 89,800 |
| 2014 | 67,931 | 31.4% | 27.7% | 78,300 59,800 to 99,800 |
| 2013 | 77,198 | 32.1% | 30.6% | 87,100 67,300 to 109,900 |
| 2012 | 69,110 | 33.8% | 33.4% | 94,200 74,100 to 118,200 |
| 2011 | 58,979 | 37.0% | 36.1% | 98,900 77,400 to 122,500 |
| 2010 | 67,318 | 40.0% | 38.6% | 98,400 78,100 to 120,700 |
| 2009 | 48,434 | 43.7% | 39.8% | 101,100 78,800 to 124,800 |
| 2008 | 51,162 | 44.7% | 41.5% | 107,600 85,000 to 131,800 |
| 2007 | 49,766 | 46.4% | 41.5% | 110,300 87,200 to 135,000 |
| 2006 | 30,723 | 47.9% | 42.4% | 109,300 86,300 to 132,900 |
| 2005 | 20,139 | 48.7% | 42.2% | 106,800 83,400 to 131,600 |
| 2004 | 11,210 | 46.3% | 42.3% | 100,800 75,800 to 127,300 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Vauxhall Astra tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Astra | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.1% | 9.0% |
| Suspension | 7.9% | 7.5% |
| Brakes | 6.5% | 5.3% |
| Tyres | 5.6% | 4.5% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 3.9% | 3.4% |
| Exhaust and emissions More than most | 3.8% | 2.5% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 2.8% |
| Steering Less than most | 0.7% | 1.6% |
The parts that fail most
- Coil spring3.8%
- Tyre3.3%
- Headlamp aim2.8%
- Washers2.7%
- Brake pads2.4%
- Tyre tread2.1%
- Side light2.1%
- Headlamp2.0%
- Engine warning light1.8%
- Exhaust system1.7%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.7%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- Side light: not working2.0%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
- Brake light: not working1.6%
- Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- Brake test: efficiency below requirements1.3%
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.3%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge13.8%
- Engine oil: leak, but not excessive9.8%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing8.7%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened8.5%
- Brake pads: wearing thin6.8%
- Coil spring: corroded4.5%
- Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases4.3%
- Brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material3.5%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Has it ever failed on emissions or an exhaust leak, and what was done about it?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
Check a Vauxhall Astra's own MOT record
Looking at a Astra? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.