Vauxhall Corsa MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 947,583 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Corsa carried out in 2023. 36% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Corsas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1993 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1993 models did best (76% passed, +9.5 points against the average for 30-year-old cars), while 2014 models fared worst (59%, −12.3 points). Tested cars had covered 62,928 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.5% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 7.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 947,583
- First-time pass rate
- 64%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −7.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 62,928
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Corsa?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Corsa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,373 | 92% | 91% | +0.7 points | 19,627 |
| 2020 | 46,127 | 86% | 88% | −1.4 points | 21,978 |
| 2019 | 53,708 | 79% | 86% | −7.6 points | 25,513 |
| 2018 | 53,174 | 79% | 84% | −4.9 points | 33,533 |
| 2017 | 52,533 | 77% | 82% | −4.3 points | 41,575 |
| 2016 | 76,590 | 74% | 79% | −4.3 points | 49,400 |
| 2015 | 88,986 | 69% | 75% | −6.5 points | 56,124 |
| 2014 | 76,496 | 59% | 72% | −12.3 points | 62,645 |
| 2013 | 75,695 | 59% | 68% | −9.2 points | 68,532 |
| 2012 | 77,222 | 58% | 66% | −7.3 points | 73,753 |
| 2011 | 64,046 | 58% | 63% | −4.9 points | 78,308 |
| 2010 | 58,421 | 55% | 60% | −5.7 points | 81,223 |
| 2009 | 54,748 | 54% | 59% | −4.9 points | 85,309 |
| 2008 | 52,157 | 53% | 57% | −4.8 points | 88,501 |
| 2007 | 40,972 | 52% | 57% | −5.0 points | 89,897 |
| 2006 | 21,907 | 49% | 56% | −6.7 points | 84,424 |
| 2005 | 15,378 | 49% | 56% | −7.4 points | 82,676 |
| 2004 | 11,371 | 49% | 56% | −7.3 points | 82,180 |
| 2003 | 9,688 | 49% | 57% | −8.1 points | 82,742 |
| 2002 | 6,378 | 50% | 58% | −7.9 points | 82,035 |
| 2001 | 4,224 | 49% | 59% | −9.7 points | 78,810 |
| 2000 | 1,737 | 55% | 61% | −5.5 points | 66,249 |
| 1999 | 1,274 | 57% | 62% | −5.6 points | 65,263 |
| 1998 | 973 | 62% | 64% | −2.3 points | 69,986 |
| 1997 | 638 | 61% | 64% | −3.2 points | 70,194 |
| 1996 | 324 | 56% | 65% | −8.8 points | 70,383 |
| 1995 | 172 | 62% | 66% | −4.8 points | 68,860 |
| 1994 | 151 | 66% | 66% | −0.2 points | 66,273 |
| 1993 | 80 | 76% | 67% | +9.5 points | 66,449 |
Why the Vauxhall Corsa fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Corsa | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.2% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 7.4% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 7.2% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.8% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 4.1% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 3.3% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken7.1%
- 2not working6.3%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
- 4provides insufficient washer liquid2.8%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
- 6not working on dipped beam2.7%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 8has a serious fluid leak2.2%
- 9projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.7%
Common Corsa MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Corsa, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.5% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.5% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 4.1% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.9% |
Tips to help your Corsa pass
Based on where Corsas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.5% of Corsa 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 · 7.4% of Corsa 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.
Brakes · 7.2% of Corsa 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Corsa ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Corsa ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 947,583 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Corsa 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 947,583 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Corsa.
What is the Vauxhall Corsa MOT failure rate?
In our data, 36% of 947,583 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Corsa ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Corsa fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.5% of tests), suspension (13.2% of tests), visibility (7.4% of tests).
Which Corsa year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1993 cars performed best: 76% passed first time, +9.5 points against the average for 30-year-old cars. The weakest was 2014, at 59% (−12.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Corsa covered at its MOT?
The average was 62,928 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 19,627 miles and 1993 cars 66,449.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Corsa?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.1% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.5% of Corsas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Corsa's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 947,583 Corsas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 49% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 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
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