2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Vauxhall Vectra MOT pass rate and common faults

557 MOT tests in 2024. 59.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time59.8%
Failed or needed repairs40.2%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 557 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.1%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.8%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.6%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.4%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
  9. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.9%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes28.2%
  2. Lights & electrics20.3%
  3. Suspension18.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.3%
  5. Body & chassis12.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  7. Tyres5.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 2002 Vauxhall Vectra?

In 2024, 59.8% of 2002 Vauxhall Vectra cars passed their MOT first time, across 557 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Vauxhall Vectra?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; coil spring: fractured or broken; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2002 Vauxhall Vectra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).