1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

480 MOT tests in 2024. 59.6% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time59.6%
Failed or needed repairs40.4%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 480 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  4. Headlamp: insecure3.5%
  5. Washers: not working3.1%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.9%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.5%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.5%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.5%
  2. Suspension13.1%
  3. Brakes12.7%
  4. Body & chassis11.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.6%
  7. Tyres7.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.7%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.5%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.6%

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 1997 Vauxhall Corsa?

In 2024, 59.6% of 1997 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 480 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Vauxhall Corsa?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Vauxhall Corsa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).