2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Insignia

  16.1% All 2019 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Engine warning light4.7× usual
  Vauxhall Insignia

  3.8% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.8% of all 2019 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.

• Engine oil leaks4× usual
  Vauxhall Insignia

  2.4% All 2019 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  21% 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
  9% 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
  5% 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 leaks
  3% 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.

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

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Insignia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?