Small SUV · 2012–2021 cars
Vauxhall Mokka reliability
The Vauxhall Mokka fails 25.6% of first MOT tests, 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 722,755 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Vauxhall Mokka before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 25.6%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 27% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 722,755
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,700
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Vauxhall Mokka is a mixed bet. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 25.6%, against 28.4% for all cars. But compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 27% more MOT fails, and it ranks 35 of 40 small SUV models. Steering is the weak spot, with 119% more fails there than comparable cars. 2016 cars are the weakest year, with 40% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. 2012 is about average.
The Vauxhall Mokka can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Ask for the MOT history and look closely at the steering and suspension. On the car you're looking at, check that the ball joint dust cover is still sealed, the wiper blades clear the windscreen, the position lamps work, and the coil springs aren't fractured or broken.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Vauxhall Mokka ages
Each point is the share of Vauxhall Mokkas of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Vauxhall Mokka | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 12.1% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 15.9% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 20.9% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 25% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 28.6% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 31.3% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 33.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 35.6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 36.5% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Vauxhall Mokka years
2012 cars come out best and 2016 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mokka | 3,576 | 11.4% | 8% more fails | 21,183 |
| 2019 Mokka | 59,134 | 16.2% | 28% more fails | 27,989 |
| 2018 Mokka | 106,140 | 17.9% | 26% more fails | 33,031 |
| 2017 Mokka | 122,793 | 22.9% | 36% more fails | 40,778 |
| 2016 Mokka | 132,732 | 27.5% | 40% more fails | 48,157 |
| 2015 Mokka | 144,487 | 29.5% | 28% more fails | 55,636 |
| 2014 Mokka | 107,744 | 31.1% | 16% more fails | 66,185 |
| 2013 Mokka | 43,394 | 34.2% | 11% more fails | 76,886 |
| 2012 Mokka | 2,755 | 32.9% | 1% fewer fails | 82,006 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Vauxhall Mokka
Its weak spot is steering: 119% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.2%103% above avg
- Lights and electrics8%32% above avg
- Tyres4.9%12% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.8%37% above avg
- Brakes4.5%12% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.5%69% above avg
- Steering2%119% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.7%26% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%17% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 3.75% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.04% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Position lamp not working 2.8% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.72% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.38% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.26% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.24% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 8
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.19% of tests
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Vauxhall Mokka's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking11.94%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit10.07%
- Brake pads wearing thin9.33%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.48%
- Exhaust has minor gas leak3.99%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive3.96%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Vauxhall Mokka
- 1
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
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.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 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 Mokka covers about 7,700 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
- Petrol72.9%
- Diesel26.9%
- Electric0.1%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
White, Blue, Black, Grey, Silver
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Vauxhall Mokka compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Countryman | 15.5% | 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X1 | 16.4% | 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Captur | 21.4% | 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Juke | 29.1% | 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Mokka | 25.6% | 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford EcoSport | 20% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 2008 | 25.1% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Vauxhall models.
Questions
Vauxhall Mokka questions, answered
Is the Vauxhall Mokka reliable?
On MOT results, the Vauxhall Mokka is well below average: it fails 25.6% of first MOT tests, 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 35 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Vauxhall Mokka MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Mokka are ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (3.75% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.04% of tests), position lamp not working (2.8% of tests). By area, suspension fails 9.2% of its tests.
Which Vauxhall Mokka year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2012 cars do best (about average for its age) and 2016 cars do worst (40% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Vauxhall Mokka do a year?
A typical Vauxhall Mokka covers about 7,700 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 Mokka 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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