Vauxhall Agila years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
Vauxhall Agila years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2008–2009 and 2011. Above it: 2014. The other 5 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use year2008–2009 and 2011
- Above the average for their first-use year2014
- Can't be told apart from average2003, 2005, 2010 and 2012–2013
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 59.9% to 61.1%.
In 2025, 60.5% of the 28,498 initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Agila cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 61.6%. That is 1.1 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Agila
Vauxhall Agila MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014age 11 | 3,42846,600 | 72.0%±1.6 | +3.4 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 3,43451,200 | 67.2%±1.6 | +1.4 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 3,89657,600 | 62.1%±1.6 | −1.4 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 4,11462,700 | 59.4%±1.6 | −1.8 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 3,61963,700 | 58.4%±1.7 | −0.9 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 5,16667,300 | 54.4%±1.4 | −3.9 ptsall: 58.3% | |
| 2008age 17 | 2,74169,000 | 52.0%±1.9 | −5.2 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2005age 20 | 1,02672,300 | 60.4%±3.1 | +2.8 ptsall: 57.6% | |
| 2003age 22 | 1,07474,700 | 59.0%±3.0 | +0.3 ptsall: 58.7% |
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?
79.9% of Vauxhall Agila tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 43.6% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 82.5% and 56.2%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 3,226 | 79.9%±1.5 | −2.6 ptsall: 82.5% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 10,655 | 65.6%±1.0 | −5.7 ptsall: 71.2% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 9,168 | 55.7%±1.1 | −6.2 ptsall: 61.9% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 4,011 | 48.3%±1.6 | −8.9 ptsall: 57.2% |
| 120,000 or more | 1,420 | 43.6%±2.6 | −12.7 ptsall: 56.2% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Agila 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 Agila 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. 18 tests (0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Agila 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 Agila
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 16.5%1,862 tests | 10.0% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 15.2%1,716 tests | 6.4% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 11.3%1,274 tests | 5.5% |
| Service brake performance excessively bindingBrakes | 9.0%1,015 tests | 3.4% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 8.6%969 tests | 8.4% |
| Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes | 8.5%952 tests | 5.1% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 8.0%904 tests | 12.5% |
| Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes | 7.6%857 tests | 2.4% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 5.5%624 tests | 7.2% |
| Suspension arm pin or bush excessively wornSuspension | 5.3%602 tests | 5.3% |
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 Agila's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Agila
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.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
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.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Agila's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Vauxhall Agila cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.0% failed on tyres, against 3.8% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,783 and 11,988 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 12.3% of those with a tyre advisory and 10.4% of the others.
Brakes
Of Vauxhall Agila cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 15.9% failed on brakes, against 8.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 4,478 and 11,230 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 13.4% of those with a brake advisory and 9.8% of the others.
Suspension
Of Vauxhall Agila cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 24.9% failed on suspension, against 17.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,436 and 12,054 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 14.4% of those with a suspension advisory and 9.8% 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 Agila questions
Which Vauxhall Agila 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: 2008–2009 and 2011. Above average: 2014. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Vauxhall Agila reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 60.5% of initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Agila cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 61.6%. That is 1.1 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 Agila problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are suspension (in 53.1% of failed tests), brakes (in 33.5% of failed tests) and lights and electrics (in 32.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 15-year-old Vauxhall Agila?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Vauxhall Agila cars first used in 2010, about 15 years old, had a median of 63,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Agila'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 Agila
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 Agila cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count