2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate and common faults

70,764 MOT tests in 2024. 59.4% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time59.4%
Failed or needed repairs40.6%
Typical mileage at test76,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 70,764 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working6.4%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.2%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.7%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    2,376 marked dangerous
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  9. Service brake imbalance: across an axle by more than 50%1.9%
    1,637 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.9%
  2. Suspension19.4%
  3. Brakes12.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  6. Tyres6.8%
  7. Body & chassis5.3%
  8. Steering1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%

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 2012 Vauxhall Corsa?

In 2024, 59.4% of 2012 Vauxhall Corsa cars passed their MOT first time, across 70,764 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Vauxhall Corsa?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; stop lamp: not working; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Vauxhall Corsa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).