Vauxhall Vivaro MOT pass rate and common problems
64.8% of 274,045 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT tests pass.
The Vivaro passes 64.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Vauxhall models (73.5%).
The Vauxhall Vivaro passes 64.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Vivaro?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Vivaro tested at 0–3 years pass 83.6% of the time, compared with just 55.8% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 83.6% | 11,887 | 44,804 miles |
| 3–6 years | 79.5% | 45,675 | 65,555 miles |
| 6–10 years | 66.5% | 94,037 | 102,613 miles |
| 10–15 years | 56.5% | 63,623 | 140,515 miles |
| 15+ years | 55.8% | 58,823 | 155,317 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Vivaro
The most common reason the Vauxhall Vivaro fails its MOT is suspension — present in 60.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 60.4% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 58.3% | Not working |
| Brakes | 51.3% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Steering | 26.4% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 18.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 14.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.0% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.1% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.6% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Vauxhall Vivaro: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Vivaro’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 Vivaro comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 79.5% to 66.5%. 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: 86.8% down to 77.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 60.4% of failed Vauxhall Vivaro MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 36.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 58.3% of failed Vauxhall Vivaro MOTs. 40.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 13.1% 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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 51.3% of failed Vauxhall Vivaro MOTs. 39.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 8.5% 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. Steering
Recorded in 26.4% of failed Vauxhall Vivaro MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 14.3% of tests at 6–10 years failed on steering.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.7% of failed Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Mokka — 78.1% pass rate
- Vauxhall Insignia — 75.4% pass rate
- Vauxhall Zafira — 69.3% pass rate
- Vauxhall Combo — 70.2% pass rate
- Vauxhall Meriva — 68.9% pass rate
- Vauxhall Grandland — 89.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Vivaro?
- 64.8% of Vauxhall Vivaro MOT tests pass, based on 274,045 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Vivaro?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Vivaro fails its MOT is suspension — present in 60.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Vivaro?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Vivaro are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 36.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Vivaro?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; steering; 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 Vivaro'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.