Vauxhall Adam years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 7 Vauxhall Adam years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2013–2019
- Above the average for their first-use yearNone
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 65.3% to 66.1%.
In 2025, 65.7% of the 58,716 initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Adam cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 73.5%. That is 7.8 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Adam
Vauxhall Adam MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019age 6 | 4,83731,200 | 78.0%±1.2 | −5.5 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 5,46838,900 | 71.5%±1.3 | −9.4 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 7,53347,400 | 66.7%±1.1 | −11.5 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 9,43952,400 | 65.3%±1.0 | −9.6 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 10,78857,700 | 63.3%±1.0 | −8.6 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 13,19165,000 | 61.9%±0.9 | −6.7 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 7,46070,500 | 62.9%±1.2 | −2.9 ptsall: 65.8% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
79.7% of Vauxhall Adam tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 57.4% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 87.3% and 65.1%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 8,220 | 79.7%±0.9 | −7.6 ptsall: 87.3% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 26,390 | 67.0%±0.6 | −11.5 ptsall: 78.4% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 18,790 | 60.0%±0.8 | −9.9 ptsall: 69.9% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 4,594 | 57.4%±1.5 | −7.7 ptsall: 65.1% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Adam tests were below average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Vauxhall Adam tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 120,000 or more. 15 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Adam problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Adam
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorber has a serious fluid leakSuspension | 18.8%3,798 tests | 2.9% |
| Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSteering | 18.3%3,692 tests | 1.8% |
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 16.4%3,314 tests | 9.9% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 7.0%1,419 tests | 8.7% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 6.2%1,254 tests | 5.6% |
| Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakenedSuspension | 5.7%1,139 tests | 0.2% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.6%1,119 tests | 6.1% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.4%1,088 tests | 4.7% |
| Rear fog lamp not workingLights and electrics | 5.0%999 tests | 1.2% |
| Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSteering | 4.4%895 tests | 0.4% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Adam's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Adam
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Steering
- With the engine running, turn the wheel from lock to lock. It should move smoothly and quietly.
- On a straight, level road, the car should run straight with the steering wheel centred.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Adam's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Vauxhall Adam cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.7% failed on tyres, against 4.6% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 7,729 and 23,887 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 10.9% of those with a tyre advisory and 8.8% of the others.
Brakes
Of Vauxhall Adam cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 9.8% failed on brakes, against 3.8% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,996 and 27,646 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 10.5% of those with a brake advisory and 9.2% of the others.
Suspension
Of Vauxhall Adam cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 21.2% failed on suspension, against 14.8% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 6,394 and 25,201 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 10.7% of those with a suspension advisory and 9.0% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataVauxhall Adam questions
Which Vauxhall Adam years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2013–2019. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Vauxhall Adam reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 65.7% of initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Adam cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 73.5%. That is 7.8 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Vauxhall Adam problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are suspension (in 45.4% of failed tests), steering (in 24.9% of failed tests) and lights and electrics (in 23.2% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Vauxhall Adam?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Vauxhall Adam cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 57,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Adam's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Vauxhall Adam
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Vauxhall models
- Vauxhall Corsa−6.3 pts against the same-age average
- Vauxhall Astra−1.7 pts against the same-age average
- Vauxhall Mokka−7.9 pts against the same-age average
- Vauxhall Vivaro−13.8 pts against the same-age average
- Vauxhall Insignia−2.6 pts against the same-age average
- Vauxhall Zafira−4.1 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 16 Vauxhall modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Vauxhall Adam cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count