1991 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Vauxhall Astra first registered in 1991: we looked at the 321 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 321 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1991 Vauxhall Astra MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1991 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes21% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension17% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions10% 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.
- Tyres8% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Vauxhall Astra
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Vauxhall Astra?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Vauxhall Astra compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 217 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 2,966 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 11,821 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 18,903 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 62,909 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 89,577 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 137,261 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 167,049 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 140,327 | Tyres 34% |
| 2014 | 154,957 | Tyres 35% |
| 2013 | 171,024 | Tyres 36% |
| 2012 | 150,456 | Tyres 36% |
| 2011 | 131,828 | Tyres 37% |
| 2010 | 147,017 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 109,313 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 110,932 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 109,840 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 68,175 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 45,866 | Suspension 52% |
| 2004 | 24,837 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 22,533 | Brakes 51% |
| 2002 | 17,225 | Brakes 53% |
| 2001 | 9,770 | Brakes 51% |
| 2000 | 5,239 | Brakes 51% |
| 1999 | 3,204 | Brakes 47% |
| 1998 | 1,654 | Brakes 44% |
| 1997 | 1,588 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 877 | Suspension 47% |
| 1995 | 1,013 | Suspension 42% |
| 1994 | 666 | Suspension 37% |
| 1993 | 501 | Suspension 33% |
| 1992 | 233 | Suspension 24% |
| 1990 | 348 | Suspension 18% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Vauxhall Astra cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score