Vauxhall Viva years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Vauxhall Viva year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2017–2019. The other 2 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2017–2019
- Can't be told apart from average2015–2016
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 78.2% to 79.0%.
In 2025, 78.6% of the 38,090 initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Viva cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 77.1%. That is 1.5 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Viva
Vauxhall Viva MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019age 6 | 4,08226,600 | 84.8%±1.2 | +1.3 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 5,47032,200 | 84.3%±1.0 | +3.4 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 9,67638,200 | 80.8%±0.8 | +2.6 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 13,75843,400 | 75.3%±0.8 | +0.4 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 5,10445,800 | 72.3%±1.3 | +0.4 ptsall: 71.9% |
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?
87.3% of Vauxhall Viva tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 62.3% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 87.4% and 70.0%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 12,893 | 87.3%±0.6 | −0.1 ptsall: 87.4% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 17,656 | 77.5%±0.7 | −2.3 ptsall: 79.8% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 6,130 | 67.4%±1.2 | −6.3 ptsall: 73.7% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 1,180 | 62.3%±2.9 | −7.7 ptsall: 70.0% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Viva tests were about average under 30,000 miles and below average at 30,000 to 119,999 miles.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Vauxhall Viva 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. 26 tests (0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Viva 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 Viva
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperativeTyres | 28.6%2,330 tests | 4.3% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 14.8%1,205 tests | 6.7% |
| Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSuspension | 7.8%632 tests | 1.4% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 6.0%489 tests | 4.7% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 6.0%487 tests | 9.2% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 5.7%461 tests | 6.0% |
| Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres | 5.2%424 tests | 5.8% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 4.6%374 tests | 8.4% |
| Exhaust system insecureBody, chassis, structure | 4.3%349 tests | 0.5% |
| Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 4.1%334 tests | 1.4% |
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 Viva's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Viva
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Viva's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Vauxhall Viva cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 11.7% failed on tyres, against 7.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 5,988 and 19,655 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 7.1% of those with a tyre advisory and 6.5% of the others.
Brakes
Of Vauxhall Viva cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 5.4% failed on brakes, against 1.9% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,028 and 23,669 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 7.9% of those with a brake advisory and 6.5% of the others.
Suspension
Of Vauxhall Viva cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 10.3% failed on suspension, against 5.2% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,144 and 24,342 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 9.6% of those with a suspension advisory and 6.5% 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 Viva questions
Which Vauxhall Viva years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2017–2019. 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 Viva reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 78.6% of initial MOT tests on Vauxhall Viva cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 77.1%. That is 1.5 points above 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 Viva problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are tyres (in 45.7% of failed tests), windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 23.6% of failed tests) and suspension (in 21.7% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Vauxhall Viva?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Vauxhall Viva cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 45,800 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Viva'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 Viva
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 Viva cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count