Vauxhall Agila MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 37,705 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Agila carried out in 2023. 38% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Agilas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2000 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (83% passed, +8.0 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2008 models fared worst (53%, −4.1 points). Tested cars had covered 61,335 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 17.7% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 6.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 37,705
- First-time pass rate
- 62%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −9.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 61,335
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Agila?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Agila 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 212 | 83% | 75% | +8.0 points | 40,100 |
| 2014 | 3,545 | 78% | 72% | +5.9 points | 42,733 |
| 2013 | 3,523 | 71% | 68% | +2.9 points | 48,407 |
| 2012 | 4,069 | 68% | 66% | +2.8 points | 54,121 |
| 2011 | 4,379 | 62% | 63% | −1.1 points | 59,313 |
| 2010 | 3,974 | 59% | 60% | −1.0 points | 60,420 |
| 2009 | 5,900 | 57% | 59% | −2.3 points | 65,249 |
| 2008 | 3,232 | 53% | 57% | −4.1 points | 68,279 |
| 2007 | 1,160 | 62% | 57% | +5.0 points | 68,935 |
| 2006 | 1,325 | 60% | 56% | +4.3 points | 70,734 |
| 2005 | 1,429 | 58% | 56% | +1.4 points | 72,859 |
| 2004 | 1,428 | 58% | 56% | +2.5 points | 72,487 |
| 2003 | 1,577 | 56% | 57% | −0.8 points | 76,774 |
| 2002 | 854 | 57% | 58% | −0.6 points | 78,806 |
| 2001 | 728 | 57% | 59% | −2.1 points | 78,492 |
| 2000 | 369 | 58% | 61% | −2.3 points | 81,595 |
Why the Vauxhall Agila fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Agila | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 12.3% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 11.9% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 6.8% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.8% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.3% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn6.5%
- 2not working5.8%
- 3fractured or broken5.7%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively4.1%
- 5excessively corroded3.5%
- 6excessively binding3.3%
- 7efficiency below requirements2.7%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.3%
Common Agila MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Agila, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 20.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 14.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.2% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.1% |
Tips to help your Agila pass
Based on where Agilas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 12.3% of Agila tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Lights and electrics · 11.9% of Agila 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 · 6.8% of Agila 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 Agila ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Agila ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 37,705 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Agila 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 37,705 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Agila.
What is the Vauxhall Agila MOT failure rate?
In our data, 38% of 37,705 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Agila ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Agila fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (17.7% of tests), brakes (12.3% of tests), lights and electrics (11.9% of tests).
Which Agila year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 83% passed first time, +8.0 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2008, at 53% (−4.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Agila covered at its MOT?
The average was 61,335 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 40,100 miles and 2000 cars 81,595.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Agila?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 20.6% of tests, in the brakes area. 12.3% of Agilas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Agila's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 37,705 Agilas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 83% 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.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
Check any Agila's MOT history
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