2021 Vauxhall Mokka diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  13.7% All 2021 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, 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 Mokka diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  20% 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
  16% 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.

• Suspension
  10% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2021 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.

• Fuel leak recall (fire risk)

  2022-2023 model years

  Vauxhall recalled some cars because a fuel pipe in the engine bay could leak and start a fire. What Car? lists the affected cars as 2022 and 2023 model years, and Auto Express dates the recall to April 2023.

  At the viewing: Give the VIN to a Vauxhall dealer or use the DVSA recall checker to confirm the work has been done. Sniff for fuel in the engine bay.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka 2021-present reliability

• Suspension recalls and early wear

  All versions; recalls on 2021-2022 cars

  Some early cars were recalled because suspension parts were loose (June 2021) or the front springs weren't seated properly. More suspension recalls followed in February 2022. Dampers and ball joints can also wear out early on petrol, diesel and electric versions alike.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over bumps, check the tyres for uneven wear, and look at recent MOT advisories for suspension.

  Source: Auto Express: used Vauxhall Mokka Mk2 (2021-date) buyer's guide

• Wiper recall (2021 cars)

  2021 model year

  Over 2,000 cars, all 2021 model year, were recalled because the windscreen wipers might not work properly in cold weather.

  At the viewing: Run the wipers at all speeds and confirm the recall has been done.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka 2021-present reliability

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

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

1. Has the fuel pipe recall been done, and do you have proof?
2. Have the suspension recalls been carried out?
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Vauxhall Mokka diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?