Vauxhall Brava

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2001 2.5 diesel. 27 of 91 tests failed, 30%.

Better than 26% of 2001 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 463 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
• A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
• Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
• A door will not open using the relevant control or close properly
• A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

Where it stands out against its peers

• Body and structure: failed more often than 92% of 2001 cars — 48% of its 27 failed tests, where an ordinary 2001 car has 27%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Suspension — 48% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
  • A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• Brakes — 44% of its failures
  • Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
• Exhaust and emissions — 11% of its failures
• Lights and electrics — 33% of its failures
  • A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
  • An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 48% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
  • Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
  • Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
• Visibility — 15% of its failures