Vauxhall Tigra MOT pass rate and common problems
59.2% of 10,193 Vauxhall Tigra MOT tests pass.
The Tigra passes 59.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Vauxhall models (73.5%).
The Vauxhall Tigra passes 59.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Tigra?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Tigra 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 62.1% at 10–15 years to 58.9% 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 | 62.1% | 907 | 68,784 miles |
| 15+ years | 58.9% | 9,286 | 76,895 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Tigra
The most common reason the Vauxhall Tigra fails its MOT is brakes — present in 66.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 66.9% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Suspension | 50.5% | Fractured or broken |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 48.4% | Not working |
| Tyres | 24.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 20.2% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 19.2% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.1% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 11.9% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Vauxhall Tigra: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Tigra’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 Tigra comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 62.1% to 58.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 68.0% down to 57.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 66.9% of failed Vauxhall Tigra 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 50.5% of failed Vauxhall Tigra 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.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 48.4% of failed Vauxhall Tigra 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 24.1% of failed Vauxhall Tigra 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. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 20.2% of failed Vauxhall Tigra MOTs.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
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 Vectra — 62.3% pass rate
- Vauxhall Antara — 66.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Astravan — 63.5% pass rate
- Vauxhall Movano — 68.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Corsavan — 62.6% pass rate
- Vauxhall Cascada — 82.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Tigra?
- 59.2% of Vauxhall Tigra MOT tests pass, based on 10,193 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Tigra?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Tigra fails its MOT is brakes — present in 66.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Tigra?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Tigra are brakes; suspension; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Tigra?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; suspension; lights and electrics; tyres; bodywork and corrosion. 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 Tigra'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.