Van · 2001–2021 cars

Vauxhall Vivaro reliability

The Vauxhall Vivaro fails 43.6% of first MOT tests, 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 605,929 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Well below averageReliability score 20/100#31 of 40 vans

Checking a Vauxhall Vivaro before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 43.6%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 33% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 605,929; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 13,300; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Vauxhall Vivaro has a weak MOT record. Its first-time fail rate is 43.6%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 33% more MOT fails, and it ranks 31 of 40 van models. Steering is its weakest area, with 358% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The year matters too: 2005 is the best, with 13% more fails, while 2021 is the weakest at 65% more.

A weak record doesn't rule it out, but it does mean checking carefully. Start with the track rod end ball joints, the most common MOT failure at 8.58% of tests. Then check the suspension ball joints, anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and position lamps. Any play or wear in the steering or suspension is a reason to get a repair quote or walk away.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Vauxhall Vivaro ages

Each point is the share of Vauxhall Vivaros of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Vauxhall VivaroAll cars

Vauxhall Vivaro first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Vauxhall Vivaro	All cars
3	24.7%	12.3%
4	26.5%	14.1%
5	30.7%	16.4%
6	35.3%	19.1%
7	38.5%	22.1%
8	42%	25.5%
9	45.6%	28.8%
10	51.2%	31.8%
11	52.8%	34.6%
12	53.5%	37.3%
13	53.7%	39.5%
14	53%	41.1%
15	53.8%	42.3%
16	53.1%	42.9%
17	53.7%	43.4%
18	52.4%	43.5%
19	52.4%	43.4%
20	52%	42.8%
21	49.3%	41.4%
22	44.6%	40.6%

By year

The best and worst Vauxhall Vivaro years

2005 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Vauxhall Vivaro MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Vivaro	4,435	25.9%	65% more fails	46,851
2020 Vivaro	15,490	24.2%	42% more fails	54,667
2019 Vivaro	27,134	26.4%	48% more fails	58,527
2018 Vivaro	40,141	28.3%	49% more fails	62,844
2017 Vivaro	43,002	33.5%	53% more fails	77,238
2016 Vivaro	66,509	35.9%	47% more fails	81,547
2015 Vivaro	76,706	39.4%	39% more fails	97,582
2014 Vivaro	44,476	45.2%	46% more fails	106,177
2013 Vivaro	35,821	49.5%	43% more fails	122,680
2012 Vivaro	31,096	52.3%	40% more fails	129,769
2011 Vivaro	37,839	53.9%	36% more fails	136,879
2010 Vivaro	23,321	54.5%	31% more fails	141,590
2009 Vivaro	15,105	53.2%	24% more fails	142,062
2008 Vivaro	31,948	52.9%	19% more fails	149,480
2007 Vivaro	32,640	53.4%	18% more fails	146,326
2006 Vivaro	28,874	53.8%	18% more fails	148,150
2005 Vivaro	23,231	51.9%	13% more fails	149,424
2004 Vivaro	16,065	52.9%	14% more fails	155,512
2003 Vivaro	8,576	53.1%	15% more fails	157,181
2002 Vivaro	3,197	52.8%	16% more fails	155,284
2001	323	47.4%	5% more fails	159,252

Common problems

What fails most on a Vauxhall Vivaro

Its weak spot is steering: 358% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension20.1%80% above avg
Lights and electrics19.6%39% above avg
Brakes14.5%70% above avg
Steering11.5%358% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.9%54% above avg
Tyres6.1%16% below avg
Body, chassis and structure5.2%18% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks5%23% above avg
Seat belts and airbags2.2%56% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 8.58% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
2
Position lamp not working 4.61% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.52% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 3.45% of tests
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
5
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.41% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
6
Stop lamp not working 3.39% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
7
Registration plate lamp not working 3.39% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
8
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.34% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Vauxhall Vivaro's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit13.06%
Brake disc pitted or scored10.82%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy8.75%
Brake pads wearing thin8.45%
Engine oil leak, not excessive8.16%
Shock absorber light oil misting5.33%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Vauxhall Vivaro

1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
2
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.
3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
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 Vivaro covers about 13,300 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

Diesel99.9%
Petrol0.1%
Electric0%
LPG0%

Most common colours

White, Silver, Grey, Black, Blue

Average engine size: 1.8 litres.

Compare

How the Vauxhall Vivaro compares with its rivals

Vauxhall Vivaro against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Volkswagen Transporter	31.7%	5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volkswagen Caddy	30.5%	about average for its age
Ford Transit Connect	36%	14% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Renault Trafic	41.5%	30% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot Partner	38.1%	32% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Vauxhall Vivaro	43.6%	33% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën Berlingo	41.9%	37% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Vauxhall models.

Questions

Vauxhall Vivaro questions, answered

Is the Vauxhall Vivaro reliable?

On MOT results, the Vauxhall Vivaro is well below average: it fails 43.6% of first MOT tests, 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 31 of 40 van models in our index.

What fails most on a Vauxhall Vivaro MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Vivaro are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (8.58% of tests), position lamp not working (4.61% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.52% of tests). By area, suspension fails 20.1% of its tests.

Which Vauxhall Vivaro year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2005 cars do best (13% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (65% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Vauxhall Vivaro do a year?

A typical Vauxhall Vivaro covers about 13,300 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 Vivaro 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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