2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Engine oil leaks4× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  29.4% All 2011 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Diesel smoke emissions16.7× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  10% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 0.5% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.1× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  12.6% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  17% All 2011 cars

  9.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  14% All 2011 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  39% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Suspension
  26% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 16.7× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?