2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.5% of Vauxhall Vivaros first used in 2018 passed their MOT first time, against 80.9% for all cars first used in 2018. Across 34,476 Vivaro first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Vauxhall Vivaros first used in 2018 (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 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Vivaros first used in 2018 against all cars first used in 2018 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Vivaro figure was 15.4 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2018 Vivaro | All cars first used 2018 | Vivaro first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 79.3% | 87.6% | 11,866 |
| 2022 | 75.9% | 86.3% | 11,747 |
| 2023 | 72.5% | 84.2% | 11,677 |
| 2024 | 66.9% | 82.5% | 11,536 |
| 2025 | 65.5% | 80.9% | 11,263 |
Common 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT failures
Share of the 10,911 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 15.9% | 1,738 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 12.7% | 1,388 |
| Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn | 11.8% | 1,287 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 11.3% | 1,234 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 10.7% | 1,168 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Vivaro in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- 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 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2018 Vivaros, as a share of all 34,476 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 13.2% | 4,542 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 10.5% | 3,609 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.4% | 2,882 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 6.4% | 2,202 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 5.2% | 1,798 |
Questions about the 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro?
In 2025, 65.5% of Vivaros first used in 2018 passed their MOT first time, against 80.9% for all cars first used in 2018. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2018 Vivaro most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 41.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (30.4%) and noise, emissions and leaks (20.4%). The single most common item was “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play” (15.9%).
How often does a 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.5% of first tests on Vivaros first used in 2018 did not pass first time: 29.3% failed, and a further 5.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 10,911 of 34,476 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 13.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (10.5%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.4%), “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (6.4%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (5.2%).
Is a 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 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 79.3% in 2021 to 65.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2018
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2018 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2018 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2018 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2018 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2018 Nissan Qashqai MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2018 Vivaro?
The numbers above cover every Vivaro first used in 2018 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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