2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks3.2× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  19.2% All 2012 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint dust cover5.1× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  12.2% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  10.3% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Front strut mounts and bushes7× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  3.5% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

• Coolant leak6.8× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  2.7% All 2012 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£500 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the coolant level is between the marks and look for dried crust around hoses and the radiator.

Common 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  31% 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
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Known faults on the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka 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.

• Three safety recalls

  All engines

  The Mokka has been recalled for a steering wheel bolt that can work loose, a seatbelt pre-tensioner fault and an electrical fault that could cause a fire.

  At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN, and check for warning lights or any burning smell.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?