2012 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Vauxhall Astras, from 46,276 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Vauxhall Astras than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Engine oil leaks2.9× usualVauxhall Astra21% All 2012 cars7.3%Rough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Coil springs1.6× usualVauxhall Astra14.9% All 2012 cars9.6%Rough price £120–£300
At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Exhaust system1.9× usualVauxhall Astra10.3% All 2012 cars5.5%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Track rod end: 0.5% here, against 4.9% of all 2012 cars. Ball joint: 2% here, against 5.6% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres37% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes31% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension30% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks23% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20,883 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 29,865 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 45,679 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 55,292 | Tyres 35% |
| 2015 | 45,865 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 50,065 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 54,364 | Tyres 36% |
| 2011 | 39,043 | Tyres 38% |
| 2010 | 41,766 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 30,829 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 29,688 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Vauxhall Astras registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score