1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 63.3% of Vauxhall Corsas first used in 1998 passed their MOT first time, against 65.6% for all cars first used in 1998. Across 2,358 Corsa first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen).
This page analyses first MOT tests for Vauxhall Corsas first used in 1998 (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 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Corsas first used in 1998 against all cars first used in 1998 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Corsa figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 1998 Corsa | All cars first used 1998 | Corsa first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 54.3% | 60.7% | 1,599 |
| 2022 | 59.6% | 62.4% | 1,254 |
| 2023 | 61.6% | 64.0% | 973 |
| 2024 | 60.4% | 64.9% | 772 |
| 2025 | 63.3% | 65.6% | 613 |
Common 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT failures
Share of the 905 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 17.0% | 154 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 11.6% | 105 |
| Position lamp: not working | 11.5% | 104 |
| Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases | 10.8% | 98 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 8.8% | 80 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa 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.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
Common 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 1998 Corsas, as a share of all 2,358 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 21.8% | 513 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 15.5% | 365 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 13.3% | 313 |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread | 12.0% | 284 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 9.6% | 226 |
Questions about the 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa?
In 2025, 63.3% of Corsas first used in 1998 passed their MOT first time, against 65.6% for all cars first used in 1998. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 1998 Corsa most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 46.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (34.7%) and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (26.0%). The single most common item was “Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength” (17.0%).
How often does a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa fail its MOT?
In 2025, 36.7% of first tests on Corsas first used in 1998 did not pass first time: 29.0% failed, and a further 7.7% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 905 of 2,358 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 21.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (15.5%), “Coil spring: corroded” (13.3%), “Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread” (12.0%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (9.6%).
Is a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa 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 54.3% in 2021 to 63.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 1998
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
1998 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 1998 Land Rover Defender MOT statistics · 1998 Mazda MX-5 MOT statistics · 1998 BMW Z3 MOT statistics · 1998 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 1998 Corsa?
The numbers above cover every Corsa first used in 1998 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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