Workhorse van, just budget for the turbo.
The Vivaro is a rebadged Renault Trafic, sharing the M9R (2.0 CDTi, 2006-2014) and R9M (1.6 CDTi, 2014-2019) engines, with a third-generation PSA-based model from 2019. It competes directly with the Transit Custom and Mercedes Vito in the medium panel van segment. Used examples from 2014-2019 dominate the UK market, with the earlier 2.0 CDTi models now budget workhorses often found under £5,000.
We track 10 known issues across the Vauxhall Vivaro range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Vauxhall Vivaro? Enter the reg to see which of our 10 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
A (2001–2014) — Engine options included the 1.9 dCi, 2.0 dCi, 2.0 dCi, 2.5 dCi. Our database flags 8 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Steering ball joint failure (£200–£350 to address).
B (2014–2021) — Engine options included the 1.6 dCi, 2.0 dCi. Our database flags 8 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Steering ball joint failure (£200–£350 to address).
The Vivaro suffers from premature steering ball joint wear across both generations, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 214.6 times the national fleet average. The ball joints connect the steering rack to the front wheels and their failure represents a direct safety hazard. Commercial loading and frequent low-speed manoeuvring accelerate wear beyond passenger car rates. The issue affects all engine variants and appears from very low mileages, suggesting a design weakness rather than normal wear.
Ball joint failure causes complete loss of steering control on the affected side. The vehicle will become uncontrollable and present an immediate danger to occupants and other road users. Replacement typically requires both sides simultaneously due to symmetric wear patterns. Do not drive if ball joint wear is suspected.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
MOT data shows suspension pin, bush, and joint failures at up to 206.8 times the fleet average, affecting both front and rear suspension components. Commercial loading and frequent weight changes stress suspension bushes beyond their design limits. Anti-roll bar drop links, control arm bushes, and rear beam bushes are particularly prone to premature failure. The pattern is consistent across both generations, suggesting the suspension design is inadequate for typical commercial use patterns.
Worn suspension components affect handling, braking stability, and tyre wear. Multiple component failures can make the vehicle unstable under braking or cornering. Replacement typically involves multiple components simultaneously due to age-related deterioration. The vehicle remains safe to drive with minor bush wear but requires prompt attention for safety-critical components.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Diesel injector failure is a widespread issue across all Vivaro generations and engine variants. The high-pressure common rail system operates at extreme pressures that stress injector seals and spray patterns. Poor fuel quality, extended service intervals, and contaminated fuel systems accelerate injector degradation. Symptoms typically begin with rough running and progress to complete injector seizure requiring specialist removal equipment.
Failed injectors cause poor fuel economy, loss of power, and potential engine damage from incorrect combustion. Diesel contamination of the engine oil requires immediate oil change to prevent bearing damage. Complete injector failure can score cylinder bores requiring engine rebuild. Replacement costs vary significantly depending on whether injectors can be refurbished or require complete replacement.
Check for fuel smells around the engine bay and underneath the car. Look for staining or wetness around fuel lines and connections. Injector issues may cause rough running or misfires that are most noticeable at idle.
Generation A Vivaros suffer from turbocharger bearing and actuator failures, particularly on F9Q and G9U engines. Extended oil change intervals and poor oil quality cause bearing wear, while carbon build-up affects the variable geometry mechanism. Commercial use patterns with frequent cold starts and extended idle periods accelerate wear beyond passenger car rates. Generation B uses different turbo technology with improved reliability.
Complete turbo failure causes severe loss of power and potentially catastrophic engine damage from oil starvation or debris ingestion. Failed turbos can contaminate the intercooler system requiring additional cleaning. Replacement requires oil and filter change, intercooler cleaning, and boost system pressure testing. The vehicle can be driven carefully with turbo failure but performance will be severely compromised.
During a test drive, check for hesitation, lack of power or unusual whining from the turbo area. Watch for blue or white smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. Check the oil condition and service history — turbos rely on clean oil.
Diesel Particulate Filter blockage is endemic on Vivaros used for stop-start commercial work. The DPF requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles that cannot occur during urban delivery patterns. Failed injectors and worn engine components increase soot production, overwhelming the DPF capacity.
A completely blocked DPF requires replacement at significant cost or professional cleaning if caught early. Continued driving with DPF problems causes engine damage from excessive back-pressure and contaminated oil. The vehicle may enter limp mode limiting speed and power. DPF deletion is illegal and will cause MOT failure.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
For the full breakdown of all 10 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Vauxhall Vivaro common problems page.
Based on 1.1M real DVSA MOT tests, the Vauxhall Vivaro fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is indicator or hazard warning switch does not ope... at 111x the fleet average, followed by indicator or hazard warning switch inoperative (103x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Vauxhall Vivaro MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 20k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Vauxhall Vivaro service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Vauxhall Vivaro has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2016-2018 (R9M 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo, Euro 6 compliant, most DPF teething issues resolved by this point, pre-PSA switchover so parts commonality with Trafic still applies). Avoid pre-2010 M9R engines where turbo and injector failures are near-certain if not already addressed.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Vauxhall Vivaro, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 10 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 10 known Vauxhall Vivaro issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.