2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

7,986 MOT tests in 2024. 53.9% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time53.9%
Failed or needed repairs46.1%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,986 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.3%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.3%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.7%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.9%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.0%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.8%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    322 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics38.5%
  2. Brakes25.2%
  3. Suspension22.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  6. Body & chassis8.7%
  7. Tyres8.2%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded26.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.0%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.4%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 AstraAll Astra years2005 Astra →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 53.9% of 2004 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,986 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; coil spring: fractured or broken; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).