Vauxhall Grandland common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Vauxhall Grandland?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2017–2026 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

• Piston recall: engine failure

  Cars registered 2018–2024 · All engines

  Pistons may not meet specification, letting oil into the intake. In extreme cases the engine can fail, and dealers will replace it. 2018 cars could also leak oil from a block plug.

  At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 on) reliability

• Side airbag and seatbelt recalls

  Cars registered 2018–2024 · Some cars

  Leather seat stitching could stop the side airbag deploying, and a few cars had a centre rear belt not fastened at the factory.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 on) reliability

• Diesel particulate emissions (built Feb to June 2018)

  Cars registered in 2018 · Diesel, built 2018

  Diesels built 20 Feb to 27 June 2018 may need a new particulate filter or software.

  At the viewing: Ask whether the work was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 on) reliability

• Infotainment freezing

  Cars registered 2018–2024 · All engines

  The infotainment can freeze or crash and may need an update.

  At the viewing: Use the screen during the test drive.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Grandland X (2018 on) reliability

Common Vauxhall Grandland MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Brake discs

  up to 1.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2021.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Diesel

• Brake discs

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 6.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  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.

Hybrid

• Tread depth

  up to 1.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2020.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Vauxhall Grandland MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Grandland did best (88% passed first time, 1 point above all 2021 cars) and the 2018 did worst (80%, 3 points below all 2018 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Vauxhall Grandland

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

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Have the piston and oil plug recalls been done?
3. Has the leather seat airbag recall been done?
4. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the Vauxhall Grandland as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the Vauxhall Grandland as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?