1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Vauxhall Vectra MOT pass rate and common faults

166 MOT tests in 2024. 65.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time65.7%
Failed or needed repairs34.3%
Typical mileage at test93,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 166 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.2%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.6%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    14 marked dangerous
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.0%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.5%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.1%
  3. Brakes16.3%
  4. Suspension15.1%
  5. Tyres7.8%
  6. Body & chassis7.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.5%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases9.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible7.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Vectra years1999 Vectra →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Vauxhall Vectra?

In 2024, 65.7% of 1998 Vauxhall Vectra cars passed their MOT first time, across 166 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Vauxhall Vectra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).