City car · 2012–2019 cars
Vauxhall Adam reliability
The Vauxhall Adam fails 27.2% of first MOT tests, 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 203,754 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Vauxhall Adam before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 27.2%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 203,754
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 6,400
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
Across 203,754 tests from 2022 to 2024, the Vauxhall Adam had 32% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. It ranks 38 of 43 city car models. Steering is its weakest area, with 361% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage. If you can, choose a 2013, the best year at 17% more fails. Be most careful with 2019, the weakest year, at 63% more.
The Adam's first-time fail rate is 27.2%, against 28.4% for all cars, so it can still be a good buy if you check carefully. Before you buy, check the most common failures: shock absorbers for serious fluid leaks (3.68% of tests), coil springs for fractures (3.43%), wiper blades that do not clear the windscreen (2.72%), and damaged track rod end dust covers (2.64%). Test the steering on a drive.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Vauxhall Adam ages
Each point is the share of Vauxhall Adams of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Vauxhall Adam | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 18.8% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 19.1% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 20.1% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 24.1% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 27.5% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 30.9% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 32.5% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 32.9% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 33.4% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Vauxhall Adam years
2013 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Adam | 13,508 | 18.7% | 63% more fails | 22,118 |
| 2018 Adam | 18,880 | 19.7% | 48% more fails | 28,117 |
| 2017 Adam | 26,335 | 22.8% | 42% more fails | 36,484 |
| 2016 Adam | 33,181 | 26.4% | 42% more fails | 42,107 |
| 2015 Adam | 37,868 | 28.3% | 32% more fails | 47,739 |
| 2014 Adam | 46,644 | 31.7% | 27% more fails | 55,014 |
| 2013 Adam | 27,177 | 32.7% | 17% more fails | 61,544 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Vauxhall Adam
Its weak spot is steering: 361% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10%100% above avg
- Lights and electrics6.4%3% above avg
- Tyres5.7%7% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%53% above avg
- Brakes4.6%16% above avg
- Steering4.5%361% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%42% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.5%1% above avg
- Wheels0.2%30% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.68% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.43% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.72% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Track rod end dust cover damaged 2.64% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.91% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.49% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 7
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.36% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.34% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Vauxhall Adam's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.34%
- Shock absorber light oil misting11.14%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.83%
- Brake disc pitted or scored6.27%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.19%
- Strut pin or bush showing wear2.42%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Vauxhall Adam
- 1
Shock absorber serious fluid leak
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Track rod end dust cover damaged
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Vauxhall Adam covers about 6,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol100%
- Diesel0%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
White, Red, Blue, Black, Grey
Average engine size: 1.3 litres.
Compare
How the Vauxhall Adam compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda Citigo | 18.8% | 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Viva | 15.6% | about average for its age |
| Peugeot 108 | 17.3% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Agila | 37.4% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Alto | 33.4% | 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Panda | 35.2% | 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Adam | 27.2% | 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every city car ranked in the city car reliability index, or all Vauxhall models.
Questions
Vauxhall Adam questions, answered
Is the Vauxhall Adam reliable?
On MOT results, the Vauxhall Adam is well below average: it fails 27.2% of first MOT tests, 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 38 of 43 city car models in our index.
What fails most on a Vauxhall Adam MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Adam are shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.68% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.43% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.72% of tests). By area, suspension fails 10% of its tests.
Which Vauxhall Adam year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (17% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (63% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Vauxhall Adam do a year?
A typical Vauxhall Adam covers about 6,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Vauxhall Adam before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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