Vauxhall Astravan MOT pass rate and common problems
63.5% of 11,987 Vauxhall Astravan MOT tests pass.
The Astravan passes 63.5% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Vauxhall models (73.5%).
The Vauxhall Astravan passes 63.5% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Astravan?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Astravan 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 eases gradually with age, from 68.9% at 10–15 years to 61.6% 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 | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 68.9% | 3,101 | 151,623 miles |
| 15+ years | 61.6% | 8,886 | 149,263 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Astravan
The most common reason the Vauxhall Astravan fails its MOT is suspension — present in 64.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Fractured or broken".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 64.2% | Fractured or broken |
| Brakes | 63.2% | Excessively corroded |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 62.6% | Not working |
| Tyres | 22.3% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 21.0% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 15.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 4.7% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.9% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.4% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Vauxhall Astravan: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Astravan’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 Astravan comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 68.9% to 61.6%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 71.7% down to 67.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 64.2% of failed Vauxhall Astravan 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 63.2% of failed Vauxhall Astravan MOTs. 32.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 15.8% at 10–15 years.
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 62.6% of failed Vauxhall Astravan MOTs.
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. Tyres
Recorded in 22.3% of failed Vauxhall Astravan MOTs.
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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.0% of failed Vauxhall Astravan 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.
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 Agila — 67.9% pass rate
- Vauxhall Vectra — 62.3% pass rate
- Vauxhall Antara — 66.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Tigra — 59.2% pass rate
- Vauxhall Movano — 68.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Corsavan — 62.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Astravan?
- 63.5% of Vauxhall Astravan MOT tests pass, based on 11,987 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Astravan?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Astravan fails its MOT is suspension — present in 64.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Fractured or broken".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Astravan?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Astravan are suspension; brakes; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Astravan?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 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 Astravan'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.