2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Vauxhall Combo MOT pass rate and common faults

2,055 MOT tests in 2024. 46.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time46.6%
Failed or needed repairs53.4%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,055 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.6%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.1%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.7%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.0%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.3%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.2%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.2%
  9. Position lamp: not working4.6%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics46.5%
  2. Suspension43.9%
  3. Brakes39.4%
  4. Body & chassis21.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.9%
  6. Steering13.3%
  7. Tyres11.9%
  8. Emissions & leaks8.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded33.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm25.3%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)17.2%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak11.5%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2004 Vauxhall Combo?

In 2024, 46.6% of 2004 Vauxhall Combo cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,055 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Vauxhall Combo?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Vauxhall Combo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).