1991 Vauxhall Cavalier: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Vauxhall Cavalier first registered in 1991: we looked at the 154 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 154 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 Cavalier MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension21% 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.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes18% 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 leaks12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Tyres10% 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 Cavalier
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 Cavalier?
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 Cavalier compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | 768 | Suspension 42% |
| 1994 | 506 | Brakes 31% |
| 1993 | 516 | Suspension 24% |
| 1992 | 217 | Suspension 26% |
| 1990 | 144 | Suspension 19% |
| 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 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score