Family hatchback · 1996–2021 cars
Vauxhall Astra reliability
The Vauxhall Astra fails 34.5% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 2,252,162 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Vauxhall Astra before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 34.5%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 2,252,162
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,700
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Vauxhall Astra is a mid-table family hatchback, ranking 34 of 65 models. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 34.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 6% more MOT fails. The best year is 2021, with 6% fewer fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The weakest year is 1998, with 26% more. Exhaust, emissions and leaks is the weakest area, with 39% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage.
An Astra can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Start with the coil spring, the most common MOT failure at 5.83% of tests. Then check brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.73% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.69%) and position lamps (2.5%). Look underneath for exhaust leaks before you buy.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Vauxhall Astra ages
Each point is the share of Vauxhall Astras of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Vauxhall Astra | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 15.5% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 17.7% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 20.4% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 25.1% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 29.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 32.1% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 33.4% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 35.6% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 38.8% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 42% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 44.3% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 46.5% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 47.2% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 48.4% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 47.8% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 46.9% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 45.8% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 45.8% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 45.1% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 45.6% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 45.6% | 37.1% |
| 25 | 44% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Vauxhall Astra years
2021 cars come out best and 1998 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Astra | 2,072 | 11.4% | 6% fewer fails | 27,474 |
| 2020 Astra | 9,799 | 13.1% | 6% more fails | 26,703 |
| 2019 Astra | 51,197 | 15% | 10% more fails | 32,689 |
| 2018 Astra | 99,253 | 16.8% | 8% more fails | 39,761 |
| 2017 Astra | 144,882 | 18.3% | 1% more fails | 47,852 |
| 2016 Astra | 175,105 | 20.8% | 0% more fails | 55,396 |
| 2015 Astra | 157,020 | 28.1% | 16% more fails | 63,542 |
| 2014 Astra | 176,269 | 31.5% | 13% more fails | 72,485 |
| 2013 Astra | 198,565 | 32.2% | 3% more fails | 81,402 |
| 2012 Astra | 179,726 | 34% | 1% fewer fails | 89,110 |
| 2011 Astra | 159,791 | 37% | 0% fewer fails | 94,348 |
| 2010 Astra | 185,161 | 39.9% | 2% more fails | 94,277 |
| 2009 Astra | 137,383 | 44.4% | 10% more fails | 96,809 |
| 2008 Astra | 147,398 | 45.4% | 7% more fails | 104,569 |
| 2007 Astra | 148,806 | 47% | 8% more fails | 106,971 |
| 2006 Astra | 94,002 | 48.8% | 11% more fails | 106,767 |
| 2005 Astra | 64,211 | 48.9% | 11% more fails | 105,244 |
| 2004 Astra | 34,987 | 47.5% | 9% more fails | 100,196 |
| 2003 Astra | 31,400 | 45% | 5% more fails | 99,745 |
| 2002 Astra | 24,066 | 46.8% | 10% more fails | 100,162 |
| 2001 Astra | 13,859 | 45.2% | 10% more fails | 95,990 |
| 2000 Astra | 7,535 | 44.8% | 12% more fails | 95,039 |
| 1999 Astra | 5,674 | 46.6% | 21% more fails | 97,425 |
| 1998 Astra | 2,649 | 45.9% | 26% more fails | 89,871 |
| 1997 Astra | 1,114 | 39.3% | 14% more fails | 81,176 |
| 1996 | 238 | 35.7% | 5% more fails | 78,834 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Vauxhall Astra
Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 39% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.4%2% below avg
- Suspension12.3%10% above avg
- Brakes9.3%16% above avg
- Tyres7.8%14% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%11% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.4%39% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure4.5%3% above avg
- Steering1.1%52% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%46% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.83% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.73% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.69% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working 2.5% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Stop lamp not working 2.11% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 6
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.94% of tests
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.92% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 1.85% of tests
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Vauxhall Astra's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit15.41%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive11.2%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.6%
- Brake disc pitted or scored10.12%
- Brake pads wearing thin8.27%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy5.39%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Vauxhall Astra
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 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 Astra covers about 8,700 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
- Petrol69.5%
- Diesel30.5%
- LPG0%
- Other0%
- Electric0%
- Hybrid0%
Most common colours
Silver, Black, Grey, Blue, White
Average engine size: 1.6 litres.
Compare
How the Vauxhall Astra compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 | 24.4% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW 1 Series | 23.1% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Golf | 25.8% | 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 20.6% | 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Honda Civic | 32.6% | 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Focus | 31.8% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Astra | 34.5% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Vauxhall models.
Questions
Vauxhall Astra questions, answered
Is the Vauxhall Astra reliable?
On MOT results, the Vauxhall Astra is about average: it fails 34.5% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 34 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Vauxhall Astra MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Astra are coil spring fractured or broken (5.83% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.73% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.69% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 13.4% of its tests.
Which Vauxhall Astra year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 1998 cars do worst (26% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Vauxhall Astra do a year?
A typical Vauxhall Astra covers about 8,700 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 Astra 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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