Vauxhall Adam MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 59,323 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Adam carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Adams passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2013 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (66% passed, −2.4 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (80%, −6.2 points). Tested cars had covered 45,578 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 10.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "has a serious fluid leak", on 4.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 59,323
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 45,578
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Adam?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Adam MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4,822 | 80% | 86% | −6.2 points | 21,325 |
| 2018 | 5,452 | 81% | 84% | −3.5 points | 28,827 |
| 2017 | 7,512 | 78% | 82% | −4.1 points | 37,141 |
| 2016 | 9,511 | 73% | 79% | −5.6 points | 42,604 |
| 2015 | 10,858 | 71% | 75% | −4.2 points | 48,488 |
| 2014 | 13,383 | 67% | 72% | −4.8 points | 55,921 |
| 2013 | 7,737 | 66% | 68% | −2.4 points | 62,235 |
Why the Vauxhall Adam fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Adam | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.4% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.3% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.7% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 4.5% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 4.0% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.4% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1has a serious fluid leak4.5%
- 2fractured or broken4.5%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
- 4ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
- 6provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
- 7not working1.8%
- 8inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
- 10not working on dipped beam1.2%
Common Adam MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Adam, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 13.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.5% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.8% |
Tips to help your Adam pass
Based on where Adams most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.3% of Adam tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 5.7% of Adam tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Adam ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Adam ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 59,323 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Adam carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 59,323 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Adam.
What is the Vauxhall Adam MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 59,323 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Adam ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Adam fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (10.4% of tests), lights and electrics (6.3% of tests), visibility (5.7% of tests).
Which Adam year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 66% passed first time, −2.4 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 80% (−6.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Adam covered at its MOT?
The average was 45,578 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 21,325 miles and 2013 cars 62,235.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Adam?
"has a serious fluid leak" was recorded on 13.3% of tests, in the suspension area. 10.4% of Adams failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Adam's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 59,323 Adams in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 66% to 81% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any Adam's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.