1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

109 MOT tests in 2024. 85.3% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

119Well above average
Passed first time85.3%
Failed or needed repairs14.7%
Typical mileage at test76,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 109 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.8%
  4. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.8%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working1.8%
  7. Flexible brake hoses: excessively damaged1.8%
  8. Headlamp: insecure0.9%
  9. Pipe: leaking0.9%
  10. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush0.9%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes9.2%
  2. Lights & electrics8.3%
  3. Body & chassis6.4%
  4. Suspension4.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  7. Tyres0.9%
  8. Steering0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.5%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.6%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play4.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Astra years1991 Astra →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 85.3% of 1990 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 109 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1990 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 119, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).