Vauxhall Tigra MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 8,302 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Tigra carried out in 2023. 48% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 Tigras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2000 to 2009. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2000 models did best (59% passed, −1.2 points against the average for 23-year-old cars), while 2009 models fared worst (51%, −7.9 points). Tested cars had covered 75,606 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 20.1% of tests (well above the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 9.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 8,302
- First-time pass rate
- 52%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −19.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 75,606
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Tigra?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Tigra 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,771 | 51% | 59% | −7.9 points | 68,633 |
| 2008 | 1,387 | 51% | 57% | −5.9 points | 73,100 |
| 2007 | 1,713 | 51% | 57% | −6.3 points | 75,806 |
| 2006 | 1,842 | 51% | 56% | −4.7 points | 80,448 |
| 2005 | 1,072 | 53% | 56% | −3.7 points | 82,153 |
| 2004 | 289 | 52% | 56% | −4.1 points | 85,121 |
| 2000 | 64 | 59% | 61% | −1.2 points | 61,717 |
Why the Vauxhall Tigra fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Tigra | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 20.1% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 19.0% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 17.3% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 9.9% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 9.6% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 8.8% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.0% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 5.3% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working9.0%
- 2efficiency below requirements8.6%
- 3fractured or broken7.8%
- 4ball joint excessively worn4.9%
- 5ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
- 6constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
- 7ball joint has excessive play4.2%
- 8excessively corroded3.9%
- 9does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
- 10has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
Common Tigra MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Tigra, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 15.8% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 14.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 14.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.8% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 8.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.5% |
Tips to help your Tigra pass
Based on where Tigras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 20.1% of Tigra 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 · 17.3% of Tigra 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Tigra ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Tigra ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 8,302 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Tigra 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 8,302 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Tigra.
What is the Vauxhall Tigra MOT failure rate?
In our data, 48% of 8,302 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Tigra ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Tigra fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (20.1% of tests), suspension (19.0% of tests), lights and electrics (17.3% of tests).
Which Tigra year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2000 cars performed best: 59% passed first time, −1.2 points against the average for 23-year-old cars. The weakest was 2009, at 51% (−7.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Tigra covered at its MOT?
The average was 75,606 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2009 cars averaged 68,633 miles and 2000 cars 61,717.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Tigra?
"has a major leak of exhaust gases" was recorded on 15.8% of tests, in the body and structure area. 9.6% of Tigras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Tigra's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 8,302 Tigras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 59% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 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
Check any Tigra's MOT history
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