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Chevrolet Lacetti car check

Find out if a Lacetti has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

MOT failure rate
29.7%48k tests
Known problems
5across J200
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Lacetti are you looking at?

Each Lacetti generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.

  1. Subframe mounting point corrosion

    Safety risk J200

    The load bearing structure around subframe and suspension mounting points suffers from premature corrosion on the Lacetti. MOT data shows this model fails at 31.0x the national fleet average for structural integrity issues, with failures appearing as early as 20,000 miles. The problem affects the prescribed areas within 30cm of spring and suspension component mounting points, where corrosion reduces structural strength to dangerous levels. This is a design-related weakness rather than normal age-related deterioration.

    What to check: Inspect the rear subframe mounting points visible from underneath - look for brown rust staining, flaking metal, or holes in the bodywork around the subframe bolts. Check the front suspension strut top mounting areas in the engine bay for corrosion around the strut towers. Examine the area where ...

  2. Brake line corrosion

    Safety risk J200

    The Lacetti suffers from premature brake line corrosion with MOT data showing failures at 14.4x the national fleet average. The steel brake lines corrode from the outside due to poor coating and protection, while flexible brake hoses deteriorate internally. Brake line failure causes partial or complete brake system failure, making this a critical safety issue. The problem can manifest surprisingly early, with documented failures from 20,000 miles.

    What to check: Inspect all visible brake lines under the car for signs of surface rust, flaking, or brown staining - pay particular attention to rear brake lines near the fuel tank. Check flexible brake hoses for cracking, bulging, or weeping of brake fluid. Look for any signs of brake fluid on the ground under...

  3. Power steering system failure

    Wear item J200

    The Lacetti has a documented power steering system weakness with MOT data showing failures at 263.5x the national fleet average. The hydraulic power steering pump, high pressure lines, and steering rack are prone to leakage and complete failure. The problem affects all engine variants and can occur from as low as 20,000 miles, making it one of the most significant reliability issues with this model. Failures manifest as fluid leaks, loss of power assistance, or complete steering system malfunction.

    What to check: Check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour - dark brown or black fluid indicates system contamination or overheating. Look under the car for red hydraulic fluid stains on the ground, particularly around the steering rack area and pump. Examine the high pressure power steering...

  4. Brake binding and caliper seizure

    Safety and MOT risk J200

    The Lacetti suffers from brake caliper binding with MOT data showing failures at 19.9x the national fleet average for brake binding issues. The brake calipers seize due to corrosion of the sliding pins and degradation of the caliper seals, causing the brakes to apply partially even when the pedal is released. This creates excessive heat, rapid pad wear, and potential brake fade. The problem affects both front and rear brake systems across all variants.

    What to check: Look at each wheel and check whether any brake disc appears more corroded or discoloured than the others - this indicates uneven braking and potential caliper seizure. Check for any smell of burnt brake pads or overheated brakes around each wheel. Ask the seller about recent brake pad replacement...

  5. Suspension bush and joint wear

    Wear item J200

    The Lacetti has documented premature wear of suspension bushes and joints, with MOT data showing failures at 28.1x the national fleet average. The rubber suspension bushes deteriorate early due to poor compound specification, while ball joints and track rod ends suffer from inadequate sealing. Wear affects handling precision, tyre wear patterns, and can progress to dangerous levels if not addressed. The problem is particularly severe on front suspension components.

    What to check: Inspect tyre wear patterns - uneven wear across the tread or excessive wear on inside or outside edges indicates suspension geometry problems from worn bushes. Look under the car for cracked or perished rubber bushes on the suspension arms - they should appear black and flexible, not cracked or o...

Lacetti MOT results

29.7%

of Lacetti MOT tests end in a fail, from 47,590 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Power steering faultSteering
  2. Fluid leakExhaust & Emissions
  3. Suspension pin, bush or joint wornSuspension

Check the Lacetti you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Lacetti questions

Is the Chevrolet Lacetti reliable?

29.7% of Lacetti models fail their MOT based on 47,590 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being subframe mounting point corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Chevrolet Lacetti?

The most serious known issues are subframe mounting point corrosion, brake line corrosion, power steering system failure. Our car check flags whether a specific Lacetti has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Chevrolet Lacetti has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Chevrolet Lacetti has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Lacetti has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Chevrolet Lacetti for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Chevrolet Lacetti HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Lacetti faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Chevrolet Lacetti fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Lacetti is power steering fault. 29.7% of Lacetti models fail overall, based on 47,590 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Lacetti

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.