1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

737 MOT tests in 2024. 60.5% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.5%
Failed or needed repairs39.5%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 737 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.6%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  5. Washers: not working3.1%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.0%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.6%
  9. Headlamp: insecure2.4%
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.1%
  2. Suspension15.3%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.8%
  5. Body & chassis12.6%
  6. Brakes10.9%
  7. Tyres5.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.9%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.6%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.2%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.7%

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 1998 Vauxhall Corsa?

In 2024, 60.5% of 1998 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 737 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 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).