Vauxhall Zafira MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 227,485 MOT tests on the Vauxhall Zafira carried out in 2023. 39% 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 Zafiras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (72% passed, −3.2 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2000 models fared worst (47%, −13.1 points). Tested cars had covered 90,404 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.7% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 227,485
- First-time pass rate
- 61%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −10.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 90,404
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Zafira?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Zafira 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4,946 | 81% | 84% | −3.3 points | 39,464 |
| 2017 | 12,149 | 77% | 82% | −4.7 points | 48,573 |
| 2016 | 12,100 | 74% | 79% | −4.3 points | 60,837 |
| 2015 | 14,818 | 72% | 75% | −3.2 points | 70,750 |
| 2014 | 28,557 | 68% | 72% | −3.5 points | 79,042 |
| 2013 | 29,392 | 64% | 68% | −3.9 points | 84,803 |
| 2012 | 17,609 | 61% | 66% | −4.4 points | 90,600 |
| 2011 | 14,588 | 57% | 63% | −5.8 points | 100,686 |
| 2010 | 19,323 | 55% | 60% | −5.4 points | 103,164 |
| 2009 | 11,522 | 52% | 59% | −6.8 points | 103,003 |
| 2008 | 17,599 | 51% | 57% | −6.2 points | 109,383 |
| 2007 | 15,076 | 50% | 57% | −7.0 points | 111,145 |
| 2006 | 10,473 | 50% | 56% | −5.9 points | 114,004 |
| 2005 | 6,997 | 50% | 56% | −5.9 points | 114,412 |
| 2004 | 5,684 | 50% | 56% | −5.9 points | 114,852 |
| 2003 | 3,278 | 51% | 57% | −6.0 points | 114,786 |
| 2002 | 1,964 | 52% | 58% | −5.2 points | 118,390 |
| 2001 | 941 | 49% | 59% | −9.2 points | 119,852 |
| 2000 | 354 | 47% | 61% | −13.1 points | 121,361 |
| 1999 | 107 | 54% | 62% | −8.3 points | 117,007 |
Why the Vauxhall Zafira fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Zafira | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.7% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.6% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 9.6% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 8.9% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.0% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 7.1% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.8% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.6%
- 2fractured or broken6.2%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.4%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick3.6%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn2.7%
- 7has ply or cords exposed2.6%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 9has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
- 10not working2.3%
Common Zafira MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Zafira, 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 | 21.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 7.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.1% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.4% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.9% |
Tips to help your Zafira pass
Based on where Zafiras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.7% of Zafira 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 · 9.6% of Zafira 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 Zafira ULEZ compliant? See the Vauxhall Zafira ULEZ check, or view all Vauxhall models.
Other Vauxhall models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 227,485 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Zafira 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 227,485 first MOT tests of the Vauxhall Zafira.
What is the Vauxhall Zafira MOT failure rate?
In our data, 39% of 227,485 first MOT attempts on the Vauxhall Zafira ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Vauxhall Zafira fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.7% of tests), suspension (13.6% of tests), brakes (9.6% of tests).
Which Zafira year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 72% passed first time, −3.2 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2000, at 47% (−13.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Vauxhall Zafira covered at its MOT?
The average was 90,404 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 39,464 miles and 1999 cars 117,007.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Vauxhall Zafira?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 21.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.9% of Zafiras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Zafira's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 227,485 Zafiras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 81% 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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