2004 Vauxhall Astra · 34,987 MOT tests
2004 Vauxhall Astra reliability
2004 Vauxhall Astras fail 47.5% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 25 Astra years (34,987 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Astras: 34.5%)
- 47.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Astras: 34.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 100,196
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 34,987
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11.4% of tests fail here (57% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Vauxhall Astra
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics26.5%
- Suspension18.1%
- Brakes16.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9%
- Body, chassis and structure7.5%
- Tyres7.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 7.16%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.92%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.78%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.53%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 4.3%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 4.24%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (22.92%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.74%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.43%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.24%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.78%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (11.02%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Astra year
The full picture: Vauxhall Astra reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Astra, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 Vauxhall Astra reliable?
2004 Vauxhall Astras fail 47.5% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 25 Astra years (34,987 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Vauxhall Astra MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (7.16% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.92% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Vauxhall Astra have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Vauxhall Astra shows 100,196 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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