Vauxhall Corsa reliability: what 2.7m MOT tests show
Across 2,721,537 MOT tests on Vauxhall Corsa cars first used between 2000 and 2023, 64.4% passed first time. The figure for all cars is 71.7%. Compared only with cars tested at the same age, the Corsa is 6.3 points behind, so the model itself is well below average, not just old. At its first MOT, at three years old, 86% of Corsas pass; the national figure for three-year-old cars is 87.9%. Top of the failure list: a broken coil spring, on 16.3% of failed tests.
What fails a Vauxhall Corsa at its MOT
The Corsa's failures cluster around suspension and lights: a broken coil spring on 16.3% of fails, a brake light not working on 7.4%. Percentages can add to more than 100 because one failed test often records several defects.
Suspension failures are the hard ones to see coming: a snapped coil spring or a worn ball joint gives little warning. Knocks over speed bumps are the clue.
Advisories to expect on a Corsa
An advisory is the tester telling you what fails next year. On the Corsa the usual suspects are tyre tread below the legal minimum (15.4% of tests) and a damaged tyre sidewall (13.3%). How often each category of advisory turns into a failure is measured across the whole dataset.
Corsa pass rate by fuel
Among Vauxhall Corsa cars, electric versions pass 79.7% of the time and diesel versions 58.5%, a gap of 21.2 points. Diesels tend to be bought for high mileage, which shows up at the test as wear. Electric versions are newer cars on average, so some of that gap is age rather than engineering.
| Fuel | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 64.7% | 2,487,435 |
| Diesel | 58.5% | 208,985 |
| Electric | 79.7% | 23,527 |
Vauxhall Corsa pass rate by year
Between 2000 (56.6%) and 2023 (91.3%) the pass rate moves mostly with age. Among years with a decent sample, 2022 is the strongest at 86.1% and 2005 the weakest at 49.1%.
| First used | Pass rate | Tests | Miles a year | First MOT pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Corsa 2023 | 91.3% | 1,614 | 10,077 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2022 | 86.1% | 37,965 | 7,758 | 85.9% |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2021 | 84.2% | 82,127 | 7,731 | 85.6% |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2020 | 84.4% | 135,376 | 7,186 | 86.3% |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2019 | 80% | 157,383 | 6,400 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2018 | 76.8% | 156,180 | 6,685 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2017 | 73.2% | 154,279 | 6,847 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2016 | 70.5% | 224,376 | 6,947 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2015 | 66.3% | 260,168 | 6,883 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2014 | 58.3% | 220,672 | 6,770 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2013 | 59.2% | 215,256 | 6,659 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2012 | 58.4% | 215,548 | 6,481 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2011 | 57.8% | 174,194 | 6,273 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2010 | 55.1% | 154,494 | 5,990 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2009 | 54.3% | 139,528 | 5,839 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2008 | 53.1% | 129,255 | 5,631 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2007 | 52.3% | 99,564 | 5,365 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2006 | 49.5% | 51,800 | 4,690 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2005 | 49.1% | 35,688 | 4,340 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2004 | 49.3% | 25,946 | 4,061 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2003 | 49.6% | 21,914 | 3,885 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2002 | 50.2% | 14,475 | 3,707 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2001 | 50.2% | 9,679 | 3,413 | – |
| Vauxhall Corsa 2000 | 56.6% | 4,056 | 2,772 | – |
Mileage matters more than the badge
On the 2015 cars, a Corsa under 40,000 miles passes 75.5% of the time; one over 100,000 passes 57.8%. When comparing two used Corsas, the odometer tells you more than the year.
| Mileage at test (2015 cars) | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 75.5% | 52,869 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.5% | 80,620 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 63.1% | 70,496 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 59.2% | 35,898 |
| Over 100,000 | 57.8% | 20,261 |
How the Corsa compares
Set against the rest of the Vauxhall range, which averages 65.7%, the Corsa at 64.4% is below par. Within the family, see Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate (65.7%), Mokka common problems (71.5%), Insignia common problems (67.9%) and how the Vivaro does (54.9%), or the Vauxhall range at the MOT. Buyers weighing a Corsa against other cars of similar popularity often compare it with the Volkswagen Polo (67.2%) and Ford Fiesta (65.9%). The reliability index for all makes and models puts them side by side, and the national MOT statistics give the baseline.
Each Corsa year in detail
Each year opens to show its own failure list and pass rate by mileage.
Vauxhall Corsa 2023 91.3% pass 1,614 tests
On a 2023 Vauxhall Corsa, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 21.3% of failed tests, with headlamp aim out of adjustment next at 13.5%.
2023 cars pass 92.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 40% at 80,000 to 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 92.3% | 1,484 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 83.2% | 119 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 33.3% | 6 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 40% | 5 |
Vauxhall Corsa 2022 86.1% pass 37,965 tests85.9% at first MOT
On a 2022 Vauxhall Corsa, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 38.5% of failed tests, with a tyre worn or cut to the cords next at 12.2%.
2022 cars pass 87.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 78.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 87.2% | 34,127 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 76.9% | 3,198 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75.4% | 517 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 80.5% | 77 |
| Over 100,000 | 78.3% | 46 |
By fuel: petrol 86.8% (33,031 tests), electric 81.6% (4,437 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2021 84.2% pass 82,127 tests85.6% at first MOT
On a 2021 Vauxhall Corsa, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 44.8% of failed tests, with a tyre worn or cut to the cords next at 9.5%.
2021 cars pass 85.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 73% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 85.1% | 68,916 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 79.2% | 11,337 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 79.9% | 1,494 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 71.1% | 280 |
| Over 100,000 | 73% | 100 |
By fuel: petrol 84.9% (70,185 tests), electric 79.7% (10,823 tests), diesel 78.9% (1,116 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2020 84.4% pass 135,376 tests86.3% at first MOT
On a 2020 Vauxhall Corsa, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 42.2% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 10.4%.
2020 cars pass 85.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 84.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 85.4% | 106,086 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 81.3% | 25,202 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 78.9% | 3,356 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 73.1% | 568 |
| Over 100,000 | 84.1% | 164 |
By fuel: petrol 84.8% (124,859 tests), electric 78.6% (8,267 tests), diesel 83.7% (2,250 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2019 80% pass 157,383 tests
On a 2019 Vauxhall Corsa, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 27.2% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 11.4%.
2019 cars pass 81.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 69.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 81.5% | 115,213 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 77.1% | 31,766 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 72.9% | 7,926 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 69.6% | 1,796 |
| Over 100,000 | 69.2% | 679 |
Vauxhall Corsa 2018 76.8% pass 156,180 tests
On a 2018 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 16.2% of failed tests, with wipers not clearing the screen next at 12.9%.
2018 cars pass 80% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 64.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 80% | 89,152 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 74.4% | 43,842 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 69.6% | 15,761 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 68.8% | 4,839 |
| Over 100,000 | 64.9% | 2,581 |
By fuel: petrol 76.9% (149,716 tests), diesel 74.5% (6,464 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2017 73.2% pass 154,279 tests
On a 2017 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 18.4% of failed tests, with a split track rod end dust cover next at 17.3%.
2017 cars pass 78.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 63.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 78.9% | 63,509 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 71.9% | 51,560 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 66.6% | 25,549 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 63.6% | 9,019 |
| Over 100,000 | 63.8% | 4,636 |
By fuel: petrol 73.2% (147,627 tests), diesel 73.1% (6,647 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2016 70.5% pass 224,376 tests
On a 2016 Vauxhall Corsa, a split track rod end dust cover appears on 20.4% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 19.6%.
2016 cars pass 77.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 60.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 77.6% | 63,459 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 71.2% | 76,970 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 66.1% | 51,305 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 62.3% | 21,361 |
| Over 100,000 | 60.8% | 11,273 |
By fuel: petrol 70.4% (210,287 tests), diesel 71% (14,084 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2015 66.3% pass 260,168 tests
On a 2015 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 20.6% of failed tests, with a split track rod end dust cover next at 20.4%.
2015 cars pass 75.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 57.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 75.5% | 52,869 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.5% | 80,620 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 63.1% | 70,496 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 59.2% | 35,898 |
| Over 100,000 | 57.8% | 20,261 |
By fuel: petrol 66.4% (244,583 tests), diesel 65.2% (15,582 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2014 58.3% pass 220,672 tests
On a 2014 Vauxhall Corsa, a split track rod end dust cover appears on 18.6% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 16.9%.
2014 cars pass 69.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 51.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69.8% | 33,057 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 60.7% | 60,896 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 55.9% | 63,078 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.9% | 38,593 |
| Over 100,000 | 51.6% | 25,037 |
By fuel: petrol 58.3% (199,136 tests), diesel 57.8% (21,532 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2013 59.2% pass 215,256 tests
On a 2013 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 21.8% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 16.1%.
2013 cars pass 70.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 70.9% | 23,731 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 62.4% | 49,825 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 58.3% | 62,457 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 55% | 45,281 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.3% | 33,940 |
By fuel: petrol 59.3% (191,576 tests), diesel 58% (23,668 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2012 58.4% pass 215,548 tests
On a 2012 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 19.7% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 15.6%.
2012 cars pass 72.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 52% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 72.8% | 18,689 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 63.8% | 41,697 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 57.8% | 60,564 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 54.8% | 51,929 |
| Over 100,000 | 52% | 42,644 |
By fuel: petrol 58.6% (191,690 tests), diesel 56.8% (23,852 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2011 57.8% pass 174,194 tests
On a 2011 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 17.5% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 15.6%.
2011 cars pass 72.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 52.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 72.9% | 12,541 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 63.6% | 29,038 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 58.2% | 46,234 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 54.7% | 44,328 |
| Over 100,000 | 52.2% | 42,026 |
By fuel: petrol 58% (153,495 tests), diesel 56.6% (20,693 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2010 55.1% pass 154,494 tests
On a 2010 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 17.6% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 14.1%.
2010 cars pass 70.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 70.6% | 11,564 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 62.2% | 23,399 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 55.8% | 37,686 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.2% | 39,373 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.2% | 42,433 |
By fuel: petrol 55.3% (136,331 tests), diesel 53.8% (18,156 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2009 54.3% pass 139,528 tests
On a 2009 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 18.8% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 13.6%.
2009 cars pass 69% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69% | 8,503 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 62.5% | 18,744 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 55.8% | 31,798 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 51.7% | 36,241 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.2% | 44,214 |
By fuel: petrol 54.5% (121,159 tests), diesel 53.4% (18,367 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2008 53.1% pass 129,255 tests
On a 2008 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 18.5% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 14.2%.
2008 cars pass 69.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 48.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69.2% | 6,545 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 60.8% | 15,988 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 54.5% | 28,314 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 51.6% | 33,668 |
| Over 100,000 | 48.2% | 44,692 |
By fuel: petrol 53.3% (109,850 tests), diesel 51.8% (19,404 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2007 52.3% pass 99,564 tests
On a 2007 Vauxhall Corsa, a broken coil spring appears on 17.3% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 14.3%.
2007 cars pass 67.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 47.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 67.8% | 5,104 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 60.8% | 11,924 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 54% | 20,436 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 50.2% | 25,854 |
| Over 100,000 | 47.9% | 36,207 |
By fuel: petrol 52.3% (89,553 tests), diesel 52.5% (10,011 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2006 49.5% pass 51,800 tests
On a 2006 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 20% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 12%.
2006 cars pass 63.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 44.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 63.7% | 3,912 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 55.3% | 8,374 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 50.6% | 11,987 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 46.9% | 12,419 |
| Over 100,000 | 44.2% | 14,926 |
By fuel: petrol 49.7% (48,896 tests), diesel 47.6% (2,901 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2005 49.1% pass 35,688 tests
On a 2005 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 21.5% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 13.3%.
2005 cars pass 60.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 44.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 60.1% | 3,139 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 55.8% | 6,095 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 48.9% | 8,548 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 45.7% | 8,186 |
| Over 100,000 | 44.7% | 9,452 |
By fuel: petrol 49.1% (33,813 tests), diesel 49.2% (1,854 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2004 49.3% pass 25,946 tests
On a 2004 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 18.8% of failed tests, with parking brake efficiency below the limit next at 13.4%.
2004 cars pass 59.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 45% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 59.9% | 2,556 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 53.7% | 4,502 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 49.5% | 6,054 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 46.6% | 5,846 |
| Over 100,000 | 45% | 6,680 |
By fuel: petrol 49.4% (24,340 tests), diesel 47.8% (1,600 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2003 49.6% pass 21,914 tests
On a 2003 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 18.7% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 14.1%.
2003 cars pass 58.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 45.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 58.2% | 2,032 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 55.1% | 4,062 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 50.3% | 5,302 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 46.4% | 4,601 |
| Over 100,000 | 45.2% | 5,725 |
By fuel: petrol 49.7% (21,108 tests), diesel 47% (804 tests).
Vauxhall Corsa 2002 50.2% pass 14,475 tests
On a 2002 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 18.7% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 14.7%.
2002 cars pass 59.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 44.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 59.1% | 1,307 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 55.8% | 2,780 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 50.5% | 3,598 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 48.1% | 3,032 |
| Over 100,000 | 44.7% | 3,681 |
Vauxhall Corsa 2001 50.2% pass 9,679 tests
On a 2001 Vauxhall Corsa, a split CV boot appears on 15.8% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 14.1%.
2001 cars pass 65% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 45.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 65% | 1,076 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 50.9% | 1,952 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 50.3% | 2,449 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 47% | 1,971 |
| Over 100,000 | 45.1% | 2,184 |
Vauxhall Corsa 2000 56.6% pass 4,056 tests
On a 2000 Vauxhall Corsa, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 17.1% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 12.6%.
2000 cars pass 67.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 46.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 67.1% | 754 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 60.2% | 1,108 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 54.1% | 1,060 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 49.5% | 638 |
| Over 100,000 | 46.4% | 489 |
Questions people ask
Is the Vauxhall Corsa reliable?
On MOT evidence the Vauxhall Corsa is well below average. It passes 64.4% of tests against 71.7% for all cars, and trails cars of the same age by 6.3 points. 86% pass their first MOT at three years old. Figures from 2,721,537 DVSA tests.
What are the most common Vauxhall Corsa MOT failures?
A broken coil spring (16.3% of failed tests), a brake light not working (7.4%) and wipers not clearing the screen (6.8%). Suspension failures are the hard ones to see coming: a snapped coil spring or a worn ball joint gives little warning. Knocks over speed bumps are the clue.
Which Vauxhall Corsa year is the most reliable?
Among years with a large sample, 2022 cars have the highest pass rate at 86.1% and 2005 cars the lowest at 49.1%. Newer years pass more because they are younger, so compare a specific car's year against the table above rather than against the overall figure.
What advisories does a Vauxhall Corsa usually get?
Tyre tread below the legal minimum is the most frequent, noted on 15.4% of all Corsa tests, then a damaged tyre sidewall (13.3%). An advisory passes the car today but marks the item most likely to fail next year.
How many miles a year does a Vauxhall Corsa do?
About 6,423 miles a year on average, calculated from the odometer readings recorded at consecutive MOTs. That is close to the UK average of roughly 7,400.
How do I check a particular Vauxhall Corsa?
The figures describe the whole fleet. For one car, enter its registration in the free MOT check to see its own test history, advisories and mileage, set against these averages for its year.
Own a Corsa?
Enter the registration to see its own MOT history, advisories and mileage set against these figures, including whether it has done more or fewer than the 6,423 miles a year typical of the model.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 to 2025. Class 4 cars, normal tests only; a pass after rectification counts as an initial failure. Age-adjusted figures compare the model's pass rate at each age with the national rate at the same age. Methodology.