1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

269 MOT tests in 2024. 62.5% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time62.5%
Failed or needed repairs37.5%
Typical mileage at test82,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 269 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.1%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.6%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.0%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.6%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension21.9%
  2. Lights & electrics19.3%
  3. Brakes17.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks14.1%
  5. Body & chassis13.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.6%
  7. Tyres5.2%
  8. Steering4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.3%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.4%
  5. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded9.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 62.5% of 1996 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 269 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1996 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).