Part of the Vauxhall Insignia A (2008–2017) guide: best and worst years compared.
2008 Vauxhall Insignia diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Vauxhall Insignia first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 162 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 162 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2008 Vauxhall Insignia diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Vauxhall Insignia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Tyres46% 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.
- Brakes34% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% 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 mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2008 Vauxhall Insignia 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.
Dashboard and lighting electrical faults
Owners report dashboard displays and interior lights switching off at random.
At the viewing: On the test drive, watch the dash displays and try every interior and exterior light.
Recalls to check
Recalls covered the driver's airbag (from November 2010), electric window anti-trap (January 2011), estate tailgate struts (estates built up to March 2015) and steering (some cars built in April 2016).
At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN for any recall work still outstanding.
Rear brakes that bind
Rear brake pads on earlier cars could bind. Vauxhall later redesigned the pads.
At the viewing: After the test drive, carefully feel near (not on) each rear wheel for one that's much hotter than the others, and listen for rubbing.
If it needs doing: Brake pads (one axle), about £75–£175. ClickMechanic
Buckled 19- and 20-inch alloys
The large optional alloy wheels can buckle, causing vibration and a harsher ride.
At the viewing: Look along each wheel rim for dents and feel for vibration at motorway speed.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Vauxhall Insignia diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has it had any electrical faults or warning lights?
- Has all the recall work been done?
- Have the rear brakes been replaced recently?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Vauxhall Insignia?
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 Insignia compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 633 | Tyres 39% |
| 2021 | 1,876 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 3,957 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 23,888 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 37,936 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 46,306 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 66,473 | Tyres 34% |
| 2015 | 85,058 | Tyres 36% |
| 2014 | 74,941 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 61,358 | Tyres 37% |
| 2012 | 59,110 | Tyres 39% |
| 2011 | 66,448 | Suspension 40% |
| 2010 | 39,810 | Suspension 43% |
| 2009 | 27,884 | Suspension 47% |
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 Insignia cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score