Vauxhall Combo Life years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 3 Vauxhall Combo Life years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2020–2022
- 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 79.3% to 81.4%.
In 2025, 80.4% of the 5,169 initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Combo Life cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 87.0%. That is 6.7 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Combo Life
Vauxhall Combo Life MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022age 3 | 1,12420,600 | 77.4%±2.6 | −11.1 ptsall: 88.5% | |
| 2021age 4 | 2,08928,400 | 81.4%±1.8 | −5.8 ptsall: 87.2% | |
| 2020age 5 | 1,95634,900 | 81.0%±1.8 | −5.0 ptsall: 86.0% |
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?
84.5% of Vauxhall Combo Life tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 76.9% at 30,000 to 59,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 90.4% and 85.5%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 2,736 | 84.5%±1.5 | −5.8 ptsall: 90.4% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 2,026 | 76.9%±1.9 | −8.6 ptsall: 85.5% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Combo Life 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 Combo Life 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: 60,000–89,999, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 1 test (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and is left out. How we count
Common Combo Life 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 Combo Life
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 29.2%296 tests | 15.5% |
| Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres | 11.4%116 tests | 14.5% |
| Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics | 9.7%98 tests | 2.5% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 8.5%86 tests | 10.3% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 7.6%77 tests | 8.6% |
| Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres | 7.5%76 tests | 7.9% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 6.7%68 tests | 4.8% |
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 Combo Life's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Combo Life
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.
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 Combo Life's MOT historyVauxhall Combo Life questions
Which Vauxhall Combo Life 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: 2020–2022. 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 Combo Life reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 80.4% of initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Combo Life cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 87.0%. That is 6.7 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 Combo Life problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 36.7% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 32.3% of failed tests) and tyres (in 30.0% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 3-year-old Vauxhall Combo Life?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Vauxhall Combo Life cars first used in 2022, about 3 years old, had a median of 20,600 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Combo Life'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 Combo Life
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 Combo Life cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count