2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

43,079 MOT tests in 2024. 53.3% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time53.3%
Failed or needed repairs46.7%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 43,079 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.0%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.5%
  3. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.9%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.2%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.1%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    1,844 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.6%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.0%
  2. Suspension26.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  4. Brakes9.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%
  6. Tyres8.5%
  7. Body & chassis8.4%
  8. Steering1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.9%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.2%

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 Corsa?

In 2024, 53.3% of 2008 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 43,079 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; position lamp: not working; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Vauxhall Corsa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).