2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks5.4× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  32.1% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  19% All 2012 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.3% of all 2012 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions15.8× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  7.9% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 0.4% of all 2012 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.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  13.8% All 2012 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2% of all 2012 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.5× usual
  Chevrolet Orlando

  7.2% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 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
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  25% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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 5.4× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 15.8× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?