2016 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Vauxhall Astras, from 55,292 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 2016 Vauxhall Astras than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Tyre pressure monitoring system6.7× usualVauxhall Astra8% All 2016 cars1.2%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
- Engine oil leaks2.3× usualVauxhall Astra6.5% All 2016 cars2.8%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.
- Steering rack inner joints3.1× usualVauxhall Astra2.5% All 2016 cars0.8%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Washers1.6× usualVauxhall Astra2.9% All 2016 cars1.8%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Headlamp1.5× usualVauxhall Astra2.5% All 2016 cars1.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.1% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars. Coil springs: 1.3% here, against 4.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Brakes26% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension12% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Brief loss of power with a metallic noise1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel
The 1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel can briefly lose power with a metallic noise. On diesels, a faulty oil pressure sensor is one cause.
At the viewing: Drive it for 20 minutes or more. Any sudden dips in power or engine warning lights are a reason to ask questions.
- Exhaust smell in the cabin (diesel)Diesel
A badly fitted clamp between the particulate filter and turbo can let exhaust fumes into the cabin.
At the viewing: Sit in the car with the engine running and the fan on. Any exhaust smell needs fixing before you buy.
- Front suspension creak
A worn lower arm bush makes a creak over speed bumps.
At the viewing: Drive slowly over a speed bump and listen at the front.
- Creaking clutch (1.4 turbo manual)1.4 turbo petrol, manual
A vibrating clutch pipe can creak loudly when you use the clutch.
At the viewing: Press and release the clutch a few times and listen.
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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% |
| 2015 | 45,865 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 50,065 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 54,364 | Tyres 36% |
| 2012 | 46,276 | Tyres 37% |
| 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 2016 Vauxhall Astras registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score