Used car guide

1990 Vauxhall Cavalier: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Vauxhall Cavalier first registered in 1990: we looked at the 144 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 144 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

144MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
2,600typical miles a year
19%had suspension flagged

Common 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    19% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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
    17% 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
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    10% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Vauxhall Cavalier?

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Other years

Every year of the Vauxhall Cavalier compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1996–Too few tests
1995768Suspension 42%
1994506Brakes 31%
1993516Suspension 24%
1992217Suspension 26%
1991154Suspension 21%
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
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–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 Cavalier cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score