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VAUXHALL CAVALIER Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 337 MOT tests from 38 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every VAUXHALL CAVALIER has the same fault.

VAUXHALL CAVALIER's have a extremely good reliability rating of 774/999. The score was calculated from the average of every VAUXHALL CAVALIER that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, and fuel economy for the VAUXHALL CAVALIER.

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Check a Vauxhall Cavalier before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Vauxhall Cavalier side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A777/999Very good81,358 miles807 vehicles
N/AN/A771/999Very good82,663 miles587 vehicles

How reliable is the VAUXHALL CAVALIER?

Based on 337 MOT tests from 38 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

38

MOT tests

337

Pass rate

73.3%

Median mileage

95,487 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every VAUXHALL CAVALIER has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 577 out of 999.

Common VAUXHALL CAVALIER MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 36 advisory comments and 8 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: BRAKE PIPE SLIGHTLY CORRODED (3.6.B.2C)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 21 advisory comments and 3 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 12 advisory comments and 8 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: REAR EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (7.1.2)

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 16 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 13 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCESSIVE (7.3.D.3)

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: REGISTRATION PLATE LAMP NOT WORKING (1.1.C.1D)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (6.3.1D)

VAUXHALL CAVALIER MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
1995510366%Corrosion, Tyre wear
199356178.7%Corrosion, Tyre wear
198760—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample

What to check when buying a used VAUXHALL CAVALIER

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

  • Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

  • Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Buying a VAUXHALL CAVALIER?

Common problems tell you what can affect VAUXHALL CAVALIERs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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