Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common problems
73.3% of 1,344,866 Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests pass.
The Corsa's pass rate of 73.3% is in line with the average across all Vauxhall models, at 73.5%.
The Vauxhall Corsa passes 73.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Corsa?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Corsa 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 drops sharply with age: the Vauxhall Corsa tested at 0–3 years pass 91.1% of the time, compared with just 62.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 91.1% | 47,476 | 22,259 miles |
| 3–6 years | 87.0% | 216,792 | 32,163 miles |
| 6–10 years | 74.9% | 390,737 | 57,584 miles |
| 10–15 years | 68.8% | 456,365 | 79,552 miles |
| 15+ years | 62.9% | 233,496 | 87,962 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Corsa
The most common reason the Vauxhall Corsa fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 50.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 50.8% | Not working |
| Suspension | 37.1% | Fractured or broken |
| Brakes | 25.0% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 19.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 18.5% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.1% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 13.3% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Body, chassis, structure | 11.2% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.0% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.9% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Vauxhall Corsa: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Corsa’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 Corsa comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 87.0% to 74.9%. 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: 87.6% down to 77.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 50.8% of failed Vauxhall Corsa MOTs. 31.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.4% at 0–3 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 37.1% of failed Vauxhall Corsa MOTs. 24.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.5% at 0–3 years.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 25.0% of failed Vauxhall Corsa MOTs. 14.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.5% at 0–3 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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 19.4% of failed Vauxhall Corsa MOTs. 8.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 3.5% at 0–3 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.5% of failed Vauxhall Corsa 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.
For engine and gearbox faults, recalls and which versions to look for, read the used Vauxhall Corsa buying guide.
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 Astra — 73.2% pass rate
- Vauxhall Mokka — 78.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Insignia — 75.4% pass rate
- Vauxhall Zafira — 69.3% pass rate
- Vauxhall Vivaro — 64.8% pass rate
- Vauxhall Combo — 70.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Corsa?
- 73.3% of Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests pass, based on 1,344,866 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Corsa?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Corsa fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 50.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Corsa?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Corsa are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 31.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.4% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Corsa?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; 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 Corsa'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.