Vauxhall Combo MOT Failures
An analysis of 1,341,109 real DVSA MOT tests on the Vauxhall Combo — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: C (1993–2011), D (2012–2018), E (2018–2024).
Where the Vauxhall Combo fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Vauxhall Combo is emissions failure — this model is 158 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 1,341,109 MOT tests, 0.85% of all Vauxhall Combo tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include abs fault (120x the fleet average), wheel damage (110x the fleet average), load sensing valve seized or inoperative and ab... (107x the fleet average), and steering linkage component with relative moveme... (29x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Vauxhall Combo's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Brakes, Bodywork, Steering, Lights & Electrics and others. If you're inspecting a Vauxhall Combo before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Vauxhall Combo's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Vauxhall Combo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (504x the average) and coil springs broken (174x). emissions failure (158x) and abs fault (120x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Vauxhall Combo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are towbar fault (38x the average) and emissions failure (30x). abs fault (28x) and load sensing valve seized or inoperative and ab... (21x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Vauxhall Combo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are steering linkage component with relative moveme... (29x the average) and excessive movement of centre of steering wheel ... (22x). light unit fault (21x) and wheel damage (20x) also appear frequently.
The shift from free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... at lower mileages to steering linkage component with relative moveme... at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Vauxhall Combo specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Excessive diesel smoke emissions Major
Diesel variants show significantly elevated smoke opacity levels at MOT testing, indicating potential DPF (diesel particulate filter) blockage or engine wear. Affects C, D; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£1,500.
Steering free play excessive Major
Excessive free play in the steering system affects diesel variants at nearly 100 times the national fleet average. Affects C, D; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.
Steering ball joint wear Major
Steering ball joints show excessive wear at 76 times the national fleet average on diesel variants. Affects C, D; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£300.
Engine mount deterioration Major
This is likely due to the higher torque output and vibration levels of diesel engines combined with commercial vehicle duty cycles. Affects C, D; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£350.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Vauxhall Combo common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Vauxhall Combo
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Vauxhall Combo:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Brakes — check for abs fault, load sensing valve seized or inoperative and ab.... Bodywork — check for wheel damage.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about excessive diesel smoke emissions and steering free play excessive. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £300. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Vauxhall Combo?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Vauxhall Combo MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Vauxhall Combo?
Based on 1,341,109 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 158x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include abs fault and wheel damage.
Is the Vauxhall Combo reliable based on MOT data?
The Vauxhall Combo has 23 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag excessive diesel smoke emissions as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Vauxhall Combo most commonly fails on steering linkage component with relative moveme... and excessive movement of centre of steering wheel .... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... and coil springs broken.
How do I check a Vauxhall Combo's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.