2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

35,942 MOT tests in 2024. 54.6% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time54.6%
Failed or needed repairs45.4%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 35,942 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken8.1%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
    2,101 marked dangerous
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.6%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  6. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.9%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  8. Horn: not working2.9%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
    1,374 marked dangerous
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.5%
    1,301 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension28.5%
  2. Lights & electrics27.6%
  3. Brakes21.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  5. Tyres10.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.2%
  7. Body & chassis7.7%
  8. Steering2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened19.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.1%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2008 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 54.6% of 2008 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 35,942 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).