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VAUXHALL NOVA Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 165 MOT tests from 27 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 NOVA has the same fault.

VAUXHALL NOVA's have a extremely good reliability rating of 780/999. The score was calculated from the average of every VAUXHALL NOVA 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 NOVA.

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VAUXHALL NOVA side viewVAUXHALL NOVA (example)
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Check a Vauxhall Nova 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 Nova 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/A780/999Very good80,621 miles1,610 vehicles
N/AN/A779/999Very good82,656 miles1,787 vehicles

How reliable is the VAUXHALL NOVA?

Based on 165 MOT tests from 27 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

27

MOT tests

165

Pass rate

77%

Median mileage

56,670 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every VAUXHALL NOVA has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 552 out of 999.

Common VAUXHALL NOVA 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 6 advisory comments and 11 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: OFFSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENT MOUNTING PRESCRIBED AREA IS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED (2.4.A.3)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 9 advisory comments and 4 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: EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (6.1.2 (A))

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 advisory comments and 2 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 REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 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 headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE HEADLAMP INSECURE (1.7.3)

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: FRONT OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 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 EXCESSIVE (7.3.B.1A)

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 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: NEARSIDE STOP LAMP NOT WORKING (1.2.1B)

VAUXHALL NOVA 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
199253778.4%Exhaust, Tyre wear
198567677.6%Corrosion, Tyre wear

What to check when buying a used VAUXHALL NOVA

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.

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

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

  • Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

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

  • 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.

Buying a VAUXHALL NOVA?

Common problems tell you what can affect VAUXHALL NOVAs 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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