Vauxhall Viva MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 38,474 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Viva carried out in 2023. 15% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Vivas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2015 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (82% passed, +6.1 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (89%, +2.4 points). Tested cars had covered 32,047 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 5.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 3.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 38,474
- First-time pass rate
- 85%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +13.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 32,047
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Viva?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Viva 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 | 4,134 | 89% | 86% | +2.4 points | 19,480 |
| 2018 | 5,485 | 88% | 84% | +4.0 points | 24,600 |
| 2017 | 9,761 | 86% | 82% | +4.2 points | 30,930 |
| 2016 | 13,853 | 84% | 79% | +5.3 points | 36,635 |
| 2015 | 5,172 | 82% | 75% | +6.1 points | 39,668 |
Why the Vauxhall Viva fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Viva | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.3% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.8% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 1.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 1.5% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 1.1% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
- 2malfunctioning or obviously inoperative1.6%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
- 4provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
- 5has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- 7not working0.9%
- 8has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
- 9too low0.7%
- 10has ply or cords exposed0.7%
Common Viva MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Viva, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 14.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 9.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.4% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 4.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.3% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 1.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 1.4% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Viva pass
Based on where Vivas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 4.8% of Viva 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.
Lights and electrics · 2.8% of Viva 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.
Brakes · 1.7% of Viva 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 Viva ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Viva ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 38,474 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Viva 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 38,474 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Viva.
What is the Vauxhall Viva MOT failure rate?
In our data, 15% of 38,474 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Viva ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Viva fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (5.3% of tests), visibility (4.8% of tests), lights and electrics (2.8% of tests).
Which Viva year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +6.1 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 89% (+2.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Viva covered at its MOT?
The average was 32,047 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 19,480 miles and 2015 cars 39,668.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Viva?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 14.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.3% of Vivas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Viva's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 38,474 Vivas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 82% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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 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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