Part of the Vauxhall Astra K (2015–2021) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Vauxhall Astras, from 5,938 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 2021 Vauxhall Astras than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Brake pads2.1× usualVauxhall Astra14.2% All 2021 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
By area
The share of 2021 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres24% 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.
- Brakes18% 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 electrics4% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
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.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,908 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 6,264 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 21,078 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 29,869 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 45,689 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 55,308 | Tyres 35% |
| 2015 | 45,875 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 50,073 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 54,374 | Tyres 36% |
| 2012 | 46,285 | Tyres 37% |
| 2011 | 39,050 | Tyres 38% |
| 2010 | 41,773 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 30,835 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 29,696 | Suspension 52% |
| 2007 | 28,488 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 17,418 | Suspension 54% |
| 2005 | 11,330 | Suspension 54% |
| 2004 | 6,222 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 5,836 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 4,376 | Brakes 53% |
| 2001 | 2,439 | Brakes 51% |
| 2000 | 1,309 | Brakes 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Vauxhall Astras registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score