1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 56.1% of Vauxhall Astras first used in 1999 passed their MOT first time, against 64.6% for all cars first used in 1999. Across 3,206 Astra first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Vauxhall Astras first used in 1999 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Astras first used in 1999 against all cars first used in 1999 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Astra figure was 8.5 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 1999 Astra | All cars first used 1999 | Astra first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51.7% | 58.5% | 2,544 |
| 2022 | 54.1% | 60.7% | 1,936 |
| 2023 | 54.5% | 62.5% | 1,412 |
| 2024 | 53.1% | 63.2% | 1,031 |
| 2025 | 56.1% | 64.6% | 763 |
Common 1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT failures
Share of the 1,462 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 14.2% | 207 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 12.7% | 185 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 10.7% | 157 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 10.5% | 153 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 10.0% | 146 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 1999 Vauxhall Astra before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 1999 Astras, as a share of all 3,206 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 32.6% | 1,045 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 18.9% | 607 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 15.9% | 509 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 13.4% | 430 |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread | 11.8% | 379 |
Questions about the 1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 1999 Vauxhall Astra?
In 2025, 56.1% of Astras first used in 1999 passed their MOT first time, against 64.6% for all cars first used in 1999. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 1999 Astra most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 49.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (35.8%) and noise, emissions and leaks (30.0%). The single most common item was “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect” (14.2%).
How often does a 1999 Vauxhall Astra fail its MOT?
In 2025, 43.9% of first tests on Astras first used in 1999 did not pass first time: 35.8% failed, and a further 8.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,462 of 3,206 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 1999 Vauxhall Astra MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 32.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (18.9%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (15.9%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (13.4%) and “Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread” (11.8%).
Is a 1999 Vauxhall Astra reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 51.7% in 2021 to 56.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 1999
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
1999 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 1999 Land Rover Defender MOT statistics · 1999 BMW Z3 MOT statistics · 1999 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics · 1999 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
Checking a specific 1999 Astra?
The numbers above cover every Astra first used in 1999 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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