Comparison · family hatchbacks

Vauxhall Astra vs BMW 1 Series: which is more reliable?

The BMW 1 Series does better at the MOT, with a score of 106 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 1,001,501 real MOT tests in 2024.

Vauxhall Astra

98Below average
MOT tests625,158

BMW 1 Series

106Above average
MOT tests376,343

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testVauxhall AstraBMW 1 Series
3–5 years
99About average
102Above average
6–9 years
98About average
105Above average
10–14 years
100About average
107Above average
15+ years
94Below average
112Well above average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearVauxhall AstraBMW 1 Series
202187.5%90.4%
202086.3%89.3%
201984.0%86.3%
201880.8%84.4%
201779.7%83.3%
201676.5%80.4%
201569.6%78.0%
201467.4%74.0%
201366.9%71.7%
201265.2%67.5%
201162.2%67.3%
201059.4%66.3%
200955.9%65.5%
200854.6%65.1%
200753.5%64.0%
200651.8%61.4%
200552.2%60.8%
200453.9%61.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaVauxhall AstraBMW 1 Series
Lights & electrics17.811.4
Brakes13.97.3
Suspension13.86.0
Tyres8.98.5
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.84.4
Emissions & leaks7.02.7
Body & chassis5.11.3
Steering1.10.5

Vauxhall Astra: top failures

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
  6. Position lamp: not working1.7%

BMW 1 Series: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.2%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
  4. Position lamp: not working1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Vauxhall Astra or the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series does better at the MOT, with a score of 106 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Vauxhall Astra and BMW 1 Series can be compared?

Both were tested for 18 registration years (2004–2021). The Vauxhall Astra had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the BMW 1 Series in 18.

What fails most on each?

Vauxhall Astra: coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. BMW 1 Series: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak.