2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Track rod ends8× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  18.5% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers3.1× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  11.3% All 2016 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  7.7% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Front strut mounts and bushes8.3× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  2.5% All 2016 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Engine warning light1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  2.3% All 2016 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.3% of all 2016 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 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  20% 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
  11% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol

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.

• Timing chain rattle

  These engines use a timing chain. Poor servicing wears the tensioner, and high-mileage cars can see the chain stretch, causing rattles and misfires.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask for proof of yearly oil changes.

  Source: Parkers: Vauxhall Corsa (2014-2019) used review

• Easytronic automated gearbox

  Easytronic versions only

  The Easytronic “automatic” is a manual with a robot clutch. The clutch still wears out and can be awkward to repair.

  At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, check whether it’s Easytronic and test it in slow traffic for slow or jerky changes.

  Source: Parkers: Vauxhall Corsa (2014-2019) used review

• Misfires from worn coil packs

  Petrol models

  A hesitation, flat spot or rough idle usually comes from worn ignition coil packs.

  At the viewing: On the drive, accelerate gently through the gears and watch for hesitation or a flashing engine light.

  Source: Parkers: Vauxhall Corsa (2014-2019) used review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol

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

1. Has the car had its oil changed every year? Have you had any rattle from the engine on start-up?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Corsa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?