1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

519 MOT tests in 2024. 56.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time56.3%
Failed or needed repairs43.7%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 519 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.3%
  2. Stop lamp: not working4.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.7%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.3%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.7%
  2. Suspension23.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks19.8%
  4. Brakes17.5%
  5. Body & chassis10.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Tyres6.7%
  8. Steering4.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded30.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.2%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.0%

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 1998 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 56.3% of 1998 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 519 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; stop lamp: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).