2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Engine warning light3.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  2.9% All 2018 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Headlights2.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  2.8% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  2.3% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Headlight aim1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  2.9% All 2018 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Washers1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  2.4% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  23% 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
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  4% 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.

• Steering
  3% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Brief loss of power with a metallic noise

  1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel

  The 1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel can briefly lose power with a metallic noise. On diesels, a faulty oil pressure sensor is one cause.

  At the viewing: Drive it for 20 minutes or more. Any sudden dips in power or engine warning lights are a reason to ask questions.

  Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Astra K common problems

• Exhaust smell in the cabin (diesel)

  Diesel

  A badly fitted clamp between the particulate filter and turbo can let exhaust fumes into the cabin.

  At the viewing: Sit in the car with the engine running and the fan on. Any exhaust smell needs fixing before you buy.

  Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Astra K common problems

• Front suspension creak

  A worn lower arm bush makes a creak over speed bumps.

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over a speed bump and listen at the front.

  Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Astra K common problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Vauxhall Astra 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 warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?