2021 Vauxhall Mokka petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  11.3% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, 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.

• Ball joint9.4× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  4.7% All 2021 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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.

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  7.3% All 2021 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2021 Vauxhall Mokka petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  18% 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
  14% 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.

• Suspension
  8% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% 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 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.

• Water pump failure can overheat the 1.2 turbo

  1.2 Turbo petrol

  The 1.2 turbo petrol can lose its water pump, which leads to overheating. If it's caught late, the engine can be wrecked. This was a known problem on the old Mokka and the new one can still get it.

  At the viewing: Look for coolant leaks or a low coolant level, watch the temperature gauge on the test drive, and check for overheating warnings.

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

• 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

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

• 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 petrol

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

1. Has the water pump ever been replaced, or has the car ever overheated?
2. Has the fuel pipe recall been done, and do you have proof?
3. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
4. Have the suspension recalls been carried out?
5. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Vauxhall Mokka petrol as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 9.4× as often on the 2021 Vauxhall Mokka petrol as on other cars the same age.)