2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Grandland

  11.3% All 2021 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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
  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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  2% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2021 Vauxhall Grandland 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.

• Piston recall: engine failure

  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

  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

• Infotainment freezing

  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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel

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

1. Have the piston and oil plug recalls been done?
2. Has the leather seat airbag recall been done?
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Vauxhall Grandland diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?