Vauxhall Agila MOT pass rate and common problems
67.9% of 47,119 Vauxhall Agila MOT tests pass.
The Agila passes 67.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Vauxhall models (73.5%).
The Vauxhall Agila passes 67.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Agila?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Agila in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Vauxhall’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 79.5% at 6–10 years to 64.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 79.5% | 2,964 | 45,467 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.2% | 26,226 | 60,057 miles |
| 15+ years | 64.1% | 17,929 | 73,834 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Agila
The most common reason the Vauxhall Agila fails its MOT is suspension — present in 58.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 58.5% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 49.4% | Excessively corroded |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 38.5% | Not working |
| Visibility | 18.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 17.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 9.3% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.2% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 3.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.9% | Buckle missing |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.9% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Vauxhall Agila: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Agila’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Vauxhall Agila comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 79.5% to 69.2%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 84.7% down to 72.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 58.5% of failed Vauxhall Agila MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 49.4% of failed Vauxhall Agila MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 38.5% of failed Vauxhall Agila MOTs. 19.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.0% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.9% of failed Vauxhall Agila MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 17.8% of failed Vauxhall Agila MOTs. 8.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.0% at 6–10 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Vauxhall service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Vauxhall models
- Vauxhall Crossland — 88.5% pass rate
- Vauxhall Adam — 77.0% pass rate
- Vauxhall Viva — 86.8% pass rate
- Vauxhall Vectra — 62.3% pass rate
- Vauxhall Antara — 66.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Astravan — 63.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Agila?
- 67.9% of Vauxhall Agila MOT tests pass, based on 47,119 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Agila?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Agila fails its MOT is suspension — present in 58.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Agila?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Agila are suspension; brakes; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Agila?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Vauxhall Agila's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Vauxhall service history guide for how to check and keep one.