2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Ball joint dust cover5.8× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  12.2% All 2013 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 0.9% of all 2013 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.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  13.6% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 2.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  13.1% All 2013 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 3.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  9.5% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  9% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% 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 mirrors
  9% 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 2013 Vauxhall Mokka 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.

• 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

• Blocked DPF (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesel Mokkas used mainly for short trips can block their particulate filter.

  At the viewing: Look for a DPF warning light and ask how the car has been used.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel

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. Has it done regular longer runs, and has the DPF been cleaned?
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Vauxhall Mokka diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?