Vauxhall Zafira MOT pass rate and common problems
69.3% of 281,878 Vauxhall Zafira MOT tests pass.
At 69.3%, the Zafira passes slightly less often than the average across all Vauxhall models (73.5%).
The Vauxhall Zafira passes 69.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Vauxhall Zafira?
This is the average across every Vauxhall Zafira 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 Zafira tested at 3–6 years pass 85.8% of the time, compared with just 60.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 85.8% | 3,516 | 43,845 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.8% | 76,619 | 72,151 miles |
| 10–15 years | 68.8% | 125,625 | 98,073 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.0% | 76,118 | 115,093 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Vauxhall Zafira
The most common reason the Vauxhall Zafira fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 52.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 52.0% | Not working |
| Suspension | 42.0% | Fractured or broken |
| Brakes | 34.8% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 25.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 24.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 15.5% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.1% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 4.6% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 1.5% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Vauxhall Zafira: what to check
These checks follow the Vauxhall Zafira’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 Zafira comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 78.8% to 68.8%. 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: 81.7% down to 72.1%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 52.0% of failed Vauxhall Zafira MOTs. 28.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.0% at 3–6 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 42.0% of failed Vauxhall Zafira MOTs. 27.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 2.0% at 3–6 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 34.8% of failed Vauxhall Zafira MOTs. 22.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 5.5% at 3–6 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 25.6% of failed Vauxhall Zafira 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. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 24.7% of failed Vauxhall Zafira MOTs. 18.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 1.2% at 3–6 years.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
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 Vivaro — 64.8% pass rate
- Vauxhall Combo — 70.2% pass rate
- Vauxhall Meriva — 68.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Vauxhall Zafira?
- 69.3% of Vauxhall Zafira MOT tests pass, based on 281,878 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Vauxhall Zafira?
- The most common reason the Vauxhall Zafira fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 52.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Vauxhall Zafira?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Vauxhall Zafira are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 28.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.0% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Vauxhall Zafira?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; tyres; exhaust, emissions and leaks. 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 Zafira'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.