1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

505 MOT tests in 2024. 60.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.8%
Failed or needed repairs39.2%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 505 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.9%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.8%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.8%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.6%
  2. Lights & electrics20.2%
  3. Brakes14.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks14.7%
  5. Body & chassis12.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  7. Tyres6.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.1%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 60.8% of 1997 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 505 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1997 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).