1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

250 MOT tests in 2024. 61.6% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time61.6%
Failed or needed repairs38.4%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 250 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.8%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.6%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.0%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  6. Washers: not working3.6%
  7. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded2.8%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.4%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.0%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.8%
  2. Brakes18.4%
  3. Suspension16.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  6. Body & chassis9.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.8%
  8. Tyres4.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength14.0%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible13.2%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.4%

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 Corsa?

In 2024, 61.6% of 1996 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 250 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Vauxhall Corsa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).