1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

930 MOT tests in 2024. 60.4% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time60.4%
Failed or needed repairs39.6%
Typical mileage at test61,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 930 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.1%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  5. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.4%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  10. Headlamp: insecure1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.5%
  2. Suspension16.3%
  3. Body & chassis15.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.5%
  6. Brakes9.1%
  7. Tyres4.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.8%

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 1999 Vauxhall Corsa?

In 2024, 60.4% of 1999 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 930 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Vauxhall Corsa?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Vauxhall Corsa reliable at MOT time?

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